107-6
October 16, 2001
Committee on Ways and Means Approves H.R.
2768,
the Medicare Regulatory and Contract Reform Act of
2001
On October 11, 2001, the Committee on Ways and Means approved by
voice vote and cleared (as amended) for floor action H.R. 2768, the
Medicare Regulatory and Contract Reform Act of 2001. As reported by
the committee, the bill includes 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 the
functions of Administrative Law Judges responsible for Medicare
cases will be transferred from SSA to DHHS to hear Medicare cases.
- Would require SSA and DHHS to develop and implement this plan
by October 1, 2003. Moreover, DHHS would be required to submit the
terms of this plan to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House
of Representatives, the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and
the Comptroller General by July 1, 2003. The Comptroller General
would be required to submit to these committees a report
evaluating this plan by September 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.
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