September 28, 2016

Contact:   Nisha Bhat
                  National Coalition on Health Care
                  nbhat@nchc.org
                  202-638-7151, ext. 106

Medicare Enrollment Bill Takes Steps to Address Coverage and Affordability Gaps

Statement by National Coalition on Health Care President and CEO John Rother on the introduction of H.R. 6184, the Medicare Enrollment Protection Act, by Rep. Bob Dold (R-IL) and Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR)

“Medicare’s enrollment procedures can be confusing…and every year some beneficiaries inadvertently miss crucial deadlines to sign up for Part B. Missing this deadline can mean an increase in Part B premiums for the remainder of the beneficiary’s time on Medicare – a substantial shift of Medicare’s costs onto the enrollee.  Or it can create coverage gaps that may render ongoing care for chronic or other conditions unaffordable.

By allowing workers and families on COBRA a chance to enroll in Part B  without these costly penalties or coverage gaps, Rep. Dold’s and Rep. Schrader’s bill takes a step forward in addressing the problems with Medicare enrollment, and we are pleased to support it. NCHC looks forward to working with Congress to advance additional improvements to Medicare enrollment policy.”

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The National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC), the oldest and most diverse group working to achieve comprehensive health system reform, is a 501(c)(3) organization representing more than 80 participating organizations, including medical societies, businesses, unions, health care providers, faith-based associations, pension and health funds, insurers and groups representing consumers, patients, women, minorities and persons with disabilities. Member organizations collectively represent – as employees, members, or congregants – over 100 million Americans.

Some members of NCHC do not, or cannot, take positions either on specific legislation, strategies or on any policies outside their respective mission areas. However, all that can, do endorse broad policy positions in support of comprehensive health system change.