Medicare Beneficiary Freedom To Contract Act of 1997
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (8 Oct 1998): Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11892-11893)
What this bill does
This bill, the Medicare Beneficiary Freedom To Contract Act of 1997, would amend the Social Security Act concerning private contracts between Medicare beneficiaries and healthcare providers. Specifically, it aims to clarify rules for these private agreements when no Medicare claim will be submitted for the services.
Under the proposed legislation, Medicare beneficiaries would be able to enter into written private contracts with physicians or other healthcare practitioners for covered professional services. These contracts would need to meet specific requirements, including a provision that no claim will be submitted to Medicare for the services. The contract must also clearly inform the beneficiary that they will be responsible for payment, that no Medicare reimbursement will be provided, and that certain Medicare-related limits on charges will not apply.
The bill was introduced in the Senate in 1997 and referred to the Committee on Finance. As of the provided information, its latest action is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet passed either the House or the Senate, nor has it been signed into law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Medicare Beneficiary Freedom To Contract Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise provisions added by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 regarding the use of private contracts by Medicare beneficiaries for professional services. Outlines specific requirements for private contracts between Medicare beneficiaries and physicians or health care practitioners for services for which no Medicare claims may be submitted.
Timeline
8 Oct 1998
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11892-11893)
Common questions
- What does S. 1194 do?
- This bill, the Medicare Beneficiary Freedom To Contract Act of 1997, would amend the Social Security Act concerning private contracts between Medicare beneficiaries and healthcare providers. Specifically, it aims to clarify rules for these private agreements when no Medicare claim will be submitted for the services. Under the proposed legislation, Medicare beneficiaries would be able to enter into written private contracts with physicians or other healthcare practitioners for covered professional services. These contracts would need to meet specific requirements, including a provision that no claim will be submitted to Medicare for the services. The contract must also clearly inform the beneficiary that they will be responsible for payment, that no Medicare reimbursement will be provided, and that certain Medicare-related limits on charges will not apply. The bill was introduced in the Senate in 1997 and referred to the Committee on Finance. As of the provided information, its latest action is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet passed either the House or the Senate, nor has it been signed into law.
- Has S. 1194 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1194. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1194?
- S. 1194 was sponsored by Sen. Kyl, Jon [R-AZ] (R-AZ), with 48 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1194?
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11892-11893) (8 Oct 1998).
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