A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "BENES 2.0 Act," aims to amend the Social Security Act to create a notification system for people approaching Medicare eligibility. It requires that Medicare eligibility information be included in Social Security account statements for individuals aged 60 to 65. The notice must explain benefit eligibility, potential late enrollment penalties, and coordination of benefits. The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of Social Security will develop and periodically review this notice. The act also establishes specific timing for when these notices must be mailed to individuals.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +5
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill benefits seniors by providing proactive notification of Medicare eligibility and guidance on avoiding late enrollment penalties.
- Scored +5
Would retired people be better off under this?
The bill assists future retirees by clearly outlining Medicare enrollment periods and penalty avoidance strategies.
- Scored +4
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill provides specialized Medicare enrollment and coordination information specifically for veterans.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Information Access: The bill requires the notice to include a clear, simple explanation of Medicare eligibility, specifically for Part B benefits (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(i)).
-
Penalty Avoidance: The notice will explain why a late enrollment penalty might be assessed and how it is calculated, which can help individuals avoid these costs (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(ii)).
-
Relief Guidance: Individuals will receive information regarding the availability of relief from late enrollment penalties and examples of when such relief applies (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(iii)).
-
Coordination Awareness: The notice provides information on the coordination of benefits, including primary and secondary coverage scenarios (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(iv)).
-
Targeted Information for Specific Groups: The bill includes provisions for the enrollment and coordination of benefits for populations with special considerations, such as veterans and residents of Puerto Rico (Section s 2(a)(1)(B)(v)).
-
Direct Resources: The notice will provide online resources and toll-free telephone numbers for the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(vi)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would retired people be better off under this? — The bill assists future retirees by clearly outlining Medicare enrollment periods and penalty avoidance strategies. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill benefits seniors by providing proactive notification of Medicare eligibility and guidance on avoiding late enrollment penalties. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill provides specialized Medicare enrollment and coordination information specifically for veterans. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill helps low-income individuals by clarifying Medicare eligibility and potential penalties through required notice content. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill designates individuals with disabilities as a key stakeholder group for developing Medicare notification content.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill improves healthcare access by notifying individuals of their Medicare eligibility and explaining how to avoid late enrollment penalties. Does this help veterans get medical care? — The bill specifically includes provisions for the enrollment, eligibility, and coordination of benefits for veterans.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill includes individuals with disabilities as a specific group for stakeholder input on Medicare notice content. Does this strengthen Social Security? — The bill enhances Social Security statement communications by including vital Medicare eligibility and enrollment information.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill increases transparency by requiring Medicare information to be posted on official Social Security and Medicare websites.
- 8/12/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gus BilirakisRepublican · Florida
Dwight EvansDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Bradley SchneiderDemocrat · Illinois