Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act
Latest action (18 Nov 2015): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, would amend Medicare law to create a voluntary Advance Directive Certification Program. Under this program, the Secretary of Health and Human Services would establish a system allowing Medicare beneficiaries to create, store, and update electronic "certified advance directives"—documents outlining a person's wishes for medical treatment and, if desired, naming a health care proxy. The bill sets standards for accrediting vendors that offer these digital advance directives, requires privacy and security protections consistent with HIPAA, and directs the Secretary to maintain a clearinghouse website listing state-specific and alternative advance directive forms. It also provides a one-time incentive payment (starting at $75, adjusted annually for inflation) to beneficiaries who register a certified advance directive.
The bill primarily affects Medicare Part B beneficiaries, who could choose whether to participate, as well as advance directive vendors seeking accreditation and health care providers who would gain access to registered directives during treatment. It does not override state laws governing advance directives; directives must still comply with applicable state requirements.
The bill was introduced in the House on November 18, 2015, by Rep. Diane Black and referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. It did not receive a vote and did not become law in the 114th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act
This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish an Advance Directive Certification Program. Under the program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall grant accreditation to advance directive vendors that meet specified accreditation criteria.
CMS shall establish procedures for an eligible beneficiary to register the adoption of a certified advance directive under the program. Beneficiary registration in the program shall be optional, but each eligible beneficiary who adopts and registers a certified advance directive shall receive a one-time incentive payment.
CMS shall provide for related education and outreach.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4059 do?
- H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, would amend Medicare law to create a voluntary Advance Directive Certification Program. Under this program, the Secretary of Health and Human Services would establish a system allowing Medicare beneficiaries to create, store, and update electronic "certified advance directives"—documents outlining a person's wishes for medical treatment and, if desired, naming a health care proxy. The bill sets standards for accrediting vendors that offer these digital advance directives, requires privacy and security protections consistent with HIPAA, and directs the Secretary to maintain a clearinghouse website listing state-specific and alternative advance directive forms. It also provides a one-time incentive payment (starting at $75, adjusted annually for inflation) to beneficiaries who register a certified advance directive. The bill primarily affects Medicare Part B beneficiaries, who could choose whether to participate, as well as advance directive vendors seeking accreditation and health care providers who would gain access to registered directives during treatment. It does not override state laws governing advance directives; directives must still comply with applicable state requirements. The bill was introduced in the House on November 18, 2015, by Rep. Diane Black and referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. It did not receive a vote and did not become law in the 114th Congress.
- Has H.R. 4059 become law?
- Not yet. As of 18 Nov 2015, H.R. 4059 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4059?
- H.R. 4059 was sponsored by Rep. Diane Black [R-TN6, 2011-2018] (Republican-TN), with 8 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4059?
- Introduced (18 Nov 2015).
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