CORREA INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE MEDICARE SERVICES FOR SENIORS

CORREA INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE MEDICARE SERVICES FOR SENIORS

Legislation Aims to Modernize and Enhance the 1-800-Medicare Call Line

SANTA ANA, Calif. -Today, Representatives Lou Correa (D-CA) and Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) introduced the Improving Medicare Services Act of 2024, a bipartisan bill aimed at ensuring seniors receive the vital healthcare assistance they deserve by modernizing and improving the 1-800-Medicare call line. The legislation directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a comprehensive study and share recommendations on the 1-800-Medicare line, a critical resource for millions of Medicare beneficiaries.

"Our seniors here in Orange County and across the country deserve meaningful access to the health care they've earned and deserve. They shouldn't be forced to wait countless hours for answers to get themselves the care they need," Correa said. "I hear from seniors in my community every day who are forced to endure long wait times, unhelpful responses, and poor service quality, and it's unacceptable. We're introducing this legislation today to make sure that all Medicare beneficiaries get timely, accurate, and professional help whenever they call 1-800-Medicare. Because our seniors deserve no less."

The study will analyze key aspects of the call line's performance, including customer wait times and satisfaction, staffing competency and contractor performance, and potential improvements or downgrades in service. Based on its findings, it will also provide recommendations to Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Notably, this study is the first in nearly 15 years.

"Seniors rely on the 1-800-Medicare call line for essential information and assistance regarding their healthcare coverage. We must ensure that this service is meeting their needs efficiently and effectively. This study will highlight where improvements are needed and ensure that we have updated data to make informed decisions on behalf of Medicare recipients," De La Cruz said."With this legislation, we're standing up for our seniors to ensure they get the high-quality service they've earned."

The study will also describe any actions taken by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or contractors carrying out 1-800-Medicare services in response to previous recommendations provided by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

The bill's introduction comes at a critical time when many seniors have expressed frustration over long wait times, unclear responses, and inconsistent service quality. By taking a data-driven approach, Reps. Correa and De La Cruz aim to ensure that all Medicare beneficiaries receive timely, accurate, and professional assistance whenever they call the helpline.