Bill > HR1418

This bill, the Puerto Rico Medicare Part B Equity Act of 2015, aims to extend Medicare Part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits) coverage and enrollment provisions to residents of Puerto Rico, who were previously excluded from certain automatic enrollment processes. Specifically, it repeals an exclusion that prevented Puerto Rico residents from being "deemed enrolled," meaning they were not automatically considered enrolled in Part B if they met certain criteria, unlike residents of the mainland United States. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a special seven-month enrollment period for these residents, allowing them to sign up for Part B. Furthermore, for those who are already enrolled or who enroll during this transition period, the bill reduces the penalty for late enrollment, lowering it to 15% of the usual penalty amount. This legislation seeks to provide greater equity in Medicare Part B access and enrollment for individuals residing in Puerto Rico.