Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2014
Latest action (10 Jul 2014): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 2586, the Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2014, would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a pilot program using "smart card" technology for Medicare identification. Within 18 months of enactment, the Secretary would test new chip-based ID cards for beneficiaries and providers in at least five geographic areas identified as high-risk for fraud. The cards would store Social Security and provider numbers securely on a chip rather than printing them visibly, use biometric data such as fingerprints for provider verification, and require equipment like card readers and kiosks, all provided at no cost. The bill sets privacy and security safeguards, including HIPAA compliance and two-factor authentication, and requires several reports to Congress on the program's design, results, and potential nationwide expansion. It appropriates $29 million for the pilot. A separate section adjusts funding levels for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation for fiscal years 2020–2029.
The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries and providers in the selected pilot areas, who would receive new smart cards and equipment, and HHS, which would administer the program and report to Congress. It also affects CMS's Innovation Center through the funding change.
The bill was introduced by Senator Mark Kirk, with Senator Marco Rubio as a cosponsor, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee on July 10, 2014. According to the Congressional Research Service, it did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 113th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2014 - Establishes a pilot program under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) in order to utilize smart card technology for Medicare beneficiary and provider identification cards.
Amends SSA title XI to extend through FY2029 funding for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.
Common questions
- What does S. 2586 do?
- S. 2586, the Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2014, would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a pilot program using "smart card" technology for Medicare identification. Within 18 months of enactment, the Secretary would test new chip-based ID cards for beneficiaries and providers in at least five geographic areas identified as high-risk for fraud. The cards would store Social Security and provider numbers securely on a chip rather than printing them visibly, use biometric data such as fingerprints for provider verification, and require equipment like card readers and kiosks, all provided at no cost. The bill sets privacy and security safeguards, including HIPAA compliance and two-factor authentication, and requires several reports to Congress on the program's design, results, and potential nationwide expansion. It appropriates $29 million for the pilot. A separate section adjusts funding levels for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation for fiscal years 2020–2029. The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries and providers in the selected pilot areas, who would receive new smart cards and equipment, and HHS, which would administer the program and report to Congress. It also affects CMS's Innovation Center through the funding change. The bill was introduced by Senator Mark Kirk, with Senator Marco Rubio as a cosponsor, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee on July 10, 2014. According to the Congressional Research Service, it did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 113th Congress.
- Has S. 2586 become law?
- Not yet. As of 10 Jul 2014, S. 2586 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 2586?
- S. 2586 was sponsored by Sen. Mark Kirk [R-IL, 2010-2016] (Republican-IL), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 2586?
- Introduced (10 Jul 2014).
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