Schakowsky, Pocan, Khanna Reintroduce Bill to Strengthen Medicare, Define Alternative Plans
WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Pocan (WI-02), and Ro Khanna (CA-17) reintroduced the Save Medicare Act. This bill renames so-called “Medicare Advantage” plans, prohibits private insurers from using “Medicare” in plan titles or advertisements, and imposes significant fines for any insurer that engages in this deceptive practice.
Many cable news watchers get inundated with commercials for private healthcare plans during the open enrollment period. Because of that, Reps. Schakowsky, Pocan, and Khanna previously filmed a video explaining why Medicare Advantage is not Medicare.
“Let’s be clear: Medicare Advantage is not Medicare. These private insurance plans use Medicare’s trusted name while too often denying medically necessary care, restricting providers, and overcharging taxpayers by billions. That is unacceptable. We have seen insurers exploit the system to boost profits at the expense of seniors," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. "This crucial legislation will end deceptive marketing and ensure beneficiaries understand the difference between Traditional Medicare and private insurance plans. Seniors deserve transparency, accountability, and the full benefits they have earned.”
“Only Medicare is Medicare. It is one of the most popular and essential services the government provides,” said Congressman Mark Pocan. “Private, so-called ‘Medicare’ plans run by private insurers undermine traditional Medicare and create confusion. They often leave patients without the benefits they need while overcharging the federal government for corporate profit. This bill makes clear what is – and what is not – Medicare, and ensures this essential program will continue to serve seniors and other Americans for generations to come.”
“It’s time to be honest about Medicare Advantage," said Congressman Ro Khanna. “It’s a private insurance program that too often boosts profits by limiting coverage, while the name itself misleads seniors into thinking it’s traditional Medicare. That’s wrong. This legislation will stop private insurers from cashing in on the Medicare name. We should be working to protect and expand real Medicare instead.”
The Save Medicare Act will eliminate the confusion private insurers have relied upon for years to enroll unsuspecting seniors, and restore true Medicare as the primary health plan older Americans rely on.
Co-sponsors include: Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Grace Meng (NY-06), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12)
Endorsing organizations include: Center for Health and Democracy, Just Care USA, Social Security Works, Physicians for a National Health Program
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