Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2465

Introduced

2/6/26

Refer

2/6/26

Caption

SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROTECT PATIENTS AND TRADITIONAL MEDICARE FROM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

Impact

The bill emphasizes that the current framework of privatized Medicare, particularly through MA plans, has failed to deliver savings and has led to adverse effects on beneficiaries, notably during severe health crises, depending on whether they are enrolled in MA plans or TM. Data suggests that enrollees in MA plans tend to face higher overall costs, especially when dealing with serious illnesses, and that these plans generally offer narrower networks and more barriers to receiving necessary care. The bill articulates that health disparities have worsened as MA disproportionately enrolls disadvantaged populations into plans that provide inferior coverage compared to TM.

Summary

Senate Bill S2465 is a resolution urging the United States Congress to prioritize the protection of patients and traditional Medicare against the complications arising from Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. The bill highlights significant concerns regarding the marketing practices of MA providers and the impact of their operations on the quality of care available to Medicare enrollees. It draws attention to how insurance companies aggressively promote these plans to vulnerable populations, often without providing clear and comprehensive information regarding potential costs and coverage benefits compared to traditional Medicare (TM).

Contention

Among the notable points of contention in discussions surrounding S2465 is the growing bipartisan call for more robust regulations on MA plans. The bill urges federal lawmakers to impose stricter requirements on these plans to enhance transparency, conduct regular audits, and ensure that marketing practices do not mislead potential enrollees. Additionally, there are calls to prevent MA plans from limiting access to specialist care and to support a more equitable healthcare system that allows for easier transitions back to traditional Medicare. This resolution signifies a shift towards prioritizing patient care over corporate profit motives in the healthcare industry.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0056

SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROTECT PATIENTS AND TRADITIONAL MEDICARE FROM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

RI H5434

HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROTECT PATIENTS AND TRADITIONAL MEDICARE FROM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

RI S0610

Adds several consumer protections to existing Medicare Supplement law.

RI H5494

Adds several consumer protections to existing Medicare Supplement law.

RI H6353

Authorizes a physician practice to charge a practice support contribution; provided that, the amount does not exceed $120 per year, per patient, enrolled in a healthcare insurance plan, (excluding Medicaid and traditional Medicare).

RI S0267

Seeks to promote increased consumer access to Medicare supplement health insurance policies.

RI H5499

Seeks to promote increased consumer access to Medicare supplement health insurance policies.

RI H5385

JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION (Petitions congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution to impose restraints on the federal government.)

RI H5140

RI S0793

Increases individual, group, and Medicaid insurance rates of reimbursement for ambulance and wheelchair van services to be equal to reimbursement rates provided by Medicare for the same medical services.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.