Bill > HR2199

This bill aims to protect patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) by amending the Medicare Secondary Payer Act (MSPA) to prevent health insurance plans from discriminating against dialysis patients. Specifically, the bill prohibits private health plans from differentiating benefits between ESRD patients and other patients, or implementing benefit limitations that disproportionately affect individuals with end-stage renal disease. The legislation clarifies that while health plans cannot unfairly restrict dialysis services, they are not required to include specific dialysis providers or a set number of such providers in their network. The bill's purpose is to ensure that ESRD patients receive equitable healthcare coverage and prevent insurance plans from shifting primary healthcare cost responsibility to Medicare. Key terms include ESRD (a serious kidney condition requiring dialysis or kidney transplant) and MSPA (a law designed to protect Medicare's interests in health insurance situations). The bill will be enforced by the Secretary of Health and Human Services consistent with existing federal regulations, maintaining the intent of protecting vulnerable patients while preserving some flexibility for health insurance providers.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2199/all-info