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Legislative bills

Congressman Mark Pocan Reintroduces the Save Medicare Act, Targeting Medicare Advantage Overbilling

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Congressman Mark Pocan, a Wisconsin Democrat and former co-chair of the congressional progressive caucus, is reintroducing the Save Medicare Act, aimed at fortifying the traditional Medicare system against overbilling by private insurance companies. Pocan's legislative agenda, while facing significant hurdles in a Republican-controlled House, focuses on promoting progressive policies and building support for Democratic initiatives that could shape the country's future.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Save Medicare Act would prohibit insurance companies from using the word "Medicare" in plan titles, helping seniors distinguish between traditional Medicare and private offerings.
  • The bill would also fine companies attempting to engage in marketing practices that confuse seniors about the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
  • Estimates of Medicare Advantage overbilling in 2020 range from $12 billion to $25 billion, which could cover the cost of expanding Medicare.
  • Congressmen Pocan, Ro Khanna, and Jan Schakowsky re-introduce the bill, which aims to address overcharging by insurance companies and provide better coverage for seniors.
  • The Save Medicare Act focuses on helping seniors who may not be aware of the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage, which can "rip them off."
  • Pocan predicts that the bill could face resistance from private insurance companies due to their lobbying presence in Washington.
  • Congressman Pocan believes that the Save Medicare Act could gain bipartisan support if more seniors share their stories about the program and the challenges they face.

Statistics:

  • 47% of Medicare-eligible Americans are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Eight of the 10 biggest Medicare Advantage providers have submitted inflated bills to the government, according to a New York Times analysis.
  • The cost of Medicare Advantage overbilling in 2020 could range from $12 billion to $25 billion.

Sources:

"Mark Pocan 'Many seniors don't know the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage. They don't understand that it's not really the government program they paid into,'" in The Guardian.

"Medicare and Medicare Advantage: What's the Difference?" by New York Times analysis.

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