Pasco Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Susan Wild (D-PA-07), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11), Angie Craig (D-MN-2), and Tim Walberg (R-MI-5) have introduced the Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2024. The bill aims to protect seniors from coverage gaps in Medicare by closing the Medicare Part B-COBRA loophole.

"We want to ensure the transition from private health care to Medicare is easy," said Congressman Bilirakis. The current law penalizes individuals aged 65 and older who do not enroll in Medicare Part B within eight months of retiring or being laid off with higher lifetime premiums and a delayed start to Medicare coverage. This includes those who opt into COBRA coverage upon retirement, leading to extended coverage under their employer for up to an additional 18 months.

“I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and introduce legislation to make health care more accessible to our seniors,” said Rep. Wild. The bipartisan bill aims to correct the current law and eliminate penalties such as higher premiums or delayed coverage for seniors transitioning to Medicare.

“This legislation is a commonsense effort to make health care more affordable for American seniors by providing a transition period before Medicare late enrollment penalties are applied," expressed Rep. Smucker. The bill seeks to empower seniors to make personalized health care decisions without facing unnecessary penalties.

“We should be making it easier for seniors to access the health care they need, not harder, and that’s what this common sense, bipartisan bill does,” stated Rep. Angie Craig. The proposed legislation aims to streamline the enrollment process and remove barriers to affordable and uninterrupted coverage for seniors.

“The last thing seniors need are penalties for making personalized health care choices that best meet their needs,” said Rep. Walberg. The Medicare Enrollment Protection Act of 2024 will establish a special enrollment period for seniors who miss their enrollment periods due to COBRA continuation coverage, ensuring easier access to necessary health care for seniors.