New Bill Proposes Automatic Enrollment in Medicare Advantage with Three-Year Lock-In

Congressman David Schweikert has introduced H.R. 3467, a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that proposes automatic enrollment of older Americans into private Medicare Advantage plans with a mandatory three-year lock-in period.

While beneficiaries may opt out to revert to traditional Medicare, the bill does not specify the procedural details for opting out. Additionally, the legislation does not require Medicare Advantage plans to maintain consistent provider networks or stable costs during the three-year period.

This bill raises questions considering Medicare Advantage plans, such as those offered by CVS Health's Aetna subsidiary, have faced scrutiny over delays and denials of medical treatments. CVS Health is noted as a major contributor to Representative Schweikert's election campaign and is a leading Medicare Advantage provider. The proposal has implications for regulatory oversight, beneficiary choice, and the competitive landscape of Medicare products, highlighting ongoing debates about the role of private insurers in the Medicare program.