Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (18 Nov 2015): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
What this bill does
The Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, introduced in the Senate, would establish a program for Medicare beneficiaries to create and register "certified advance directives." These are written statements outlining a beneficiary's healthcare wishes, including treatment preferences and potentially naming a healthcare proxy. The program would require advance directive vendors to be accredited by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and would ensure beneficiaries can register their directives online.
Participation in this program would be optional for Medicare beneficiaries. Those who choose to adopt and register a certified advance directive would receive a one-time incentive payment. CMS would also be responsible for providing education and outreach about the program and advance directives. The bill explicitly states it would not supersede state laws regarding advance directives.
This bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Finance. It has not yet been acted upon by the committee or passed by either chamber of Congress. If enacted, the Secretary would have three years from the enactment date to implement the program.
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.
Timeline
18 Nov 2015
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Common questions
- What does S. 2297 do?
- The Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, introduced in the Senate, would establish a program for Medicare beneficiaries to create and register "certified advance directives." These are written statements outlining a beneficiary's healthcare wishes, including treatment preferences and potentially naming a healthcare proxy. The program would require advance directive vendors to be accredited by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and would ensure beneficiaries can register their directives online. Participation in this program would be optional for Medicare beneficiaries. Those who choose to adopt and register a certified advance directive would receive a one-time incentive payment. CMS would also be responsible for providing education and outreach about the program and advance directives. The bill explicitly states it would not supersede state laws regarding advance directives. This bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Finance. It has not yet been acted upon by the committee or passed by either chamber of Congress. If enacted, the Secretary would have three years from the enactment date to implement the program.
- Has S. 2297 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 2297. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 2297?
- S. 2297 was sponsored by Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE] (D-DE), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2297?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (18 Nov 2015).
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