Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (20 Jul 2017): Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
What this bill does
H.R. 3181, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, proposes to establish a program to encourage Medicare beneficiaries to create advance directives. These are legal documents that outline a person's wishes for medical care and can appoint someone to make decisions if they are unable to. The bill would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to accredit vendors who offer these advance directive services.
Under the proposed program, Medicare beneficiaries could voluntarily register a certified advance directive. Those who choose to register would receive a one-time incentive payment. CMS would also be responsible for providing education and outreach about advance directives. The bill specifies that participation is optional and does not supersede existing state laws on advance directives.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 11, 2017, and was referred to two committees: Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means. It is currently in the introduction phase, meaning it has not yet been voted on or passed by either chamber of 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.
Timeline
20 Jul 2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 3181 do?
- H.R. 3181, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, proposes to establish a program to encourage Medicare beneficiaries to create advance directives. These are legal documents that outline a person's wishes for medical care and can appoint someone to make decisions if they are unable to. The bill would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to accredit vendors who offer these advance directive services. Under the proposed program, Medicare beneficiaries could voluntarily register a certified advance directive. Those who choose to register would receive a one-time incentive payment. CMS would also be responsible for providing education and outreach about advance directives. The bill specifies that participation is optional and does not supersede existing state laws on advance directives. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 11, 2017, and was referred to two committees: Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means. It is currently in the introduction phase, meaning it has not yet been voted on or passed by either chamber of Congress.
- Has H.R. 3181 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 3181. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 3181?
- H.R. 3181 was sponsored by Rep. Black, Diane [R-TN-6] (R-TN), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 3181?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. (20 Jul 2017).
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