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Improving Medicare Coverage Act
12/31/2022, 9:00 AM
Summary of Bill HR 5165
One key aspect of the bill is the inclusion of coverage for hearing aids and hearing services for Medicare beneficiaries. This is a significant change as currently, Medicare does not cover hearing aids, which can be a costly expense for many seniors. By including coverage for hearing aids, the bill aims to improve the quality of life for Medicare beneficiaries who suffer from hearing loss.
Additionally, the bill also seeks to expand coverage for certain telehealth services. Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it allows patients to receive medical care remotely. By expanding coverage for telehealth services, the bill aims to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for Medicare beneficiaries. Overall, the Improving Medicare Coverage Act is focused on enhancing Medicare coverage for beneficiaries by including coverage for hearing aids and expanding coverage for telehealth services. These changes have the potential to improve the quality of care and access to healthcare for Medicare beneficiaries.
Congressional Summary of HR 5165
Improving Medicare Coverage Act
This bill temporarily expands eligibility for Medicare. It also temporarily establishes a premium and cost-sharing assistance program for low-income beneficiaries.
Specifically, the bill lowers the age of eligibility for Medicare from 65 to 60. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must establish procedures to provide for automatic enrollment of qualifying individuals. Enrollment must be completed within 11 months of the bill's enactment.
The bill also establishes a program under Medicare to assist low-income Medicare beneficiaries with premiums, coinsurance, deductibles, and other costs. Currently, such assistance is provided through Medicare Savings Programs, which are administered by state Medicaid programs. The bill also establishes a related special enrollment period under Medicare, expands eligibility for assistance to beneficiaries with income up to 200% of the federal poverty line, and provides for joint eligibility determinations with respect to the bill's program and the low-income subsidy program under the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
The bill's provisions generally take effect six months after the bill's enactment and terminate five years later.
