107-5
October 10, 2001

Subcommittee on Health Approves H.R. 2768,
the Medicare Regulatory and Contract Reform Act of 2001

On October 4, 2001, the Subcommittee on Health of the House Committee on Ways and Means unanimously approved and reported to the full committee H.R. 2768, the Medicare Regulatory and Contract Reform Act of 2001. As reported, the bill included the following provisions of interest to SSA.

Provider Appeals

Transfer of Administrative Law Judges from SSA to DHHS

  • Would require SSA and DHHS to develop a plan under which Administrative Law Judges responsible solely for Medicare cases would be transferred from SSA to DHHS to hear Medicare cases.
  • SSA and DHHS would be required to deliver this plan by October 1, 2003.

Beneficiary Outreach Demonstration Program

Medicare Specialists

  • Would require DHHS to create a Medicare specialist position. The Medicare specialist would provide assistance and advice to Medicare beneficiaries. These specialists would be located in local SSA offices. This demonstration project would last three years.
  • Effective upon enactment.