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107-7
November 8, 2001
House Committee on Energy and Commerce Approves H.R.
3046, the Medicare Regulatory, Appeals, Contracting and Education Reform
Act of 2001
On October 31, 2001, the Committee on Energy and Commerce approved by
voice vote and cleared (as amended) for floor action H.R. 3046, the
Medicare Regulatory and Contract Reform Act of 2001. The provisions
requiring the transfer of Administrative Law Judge functions and the
creation of the Medicare specialist position are similar to the provisions
found in H.R. 2768, which was reported by the Committee on Ways and Means
on October 11, 2001.
As reported by the Committee, H.R. 3046 includes the following
provisions of interest to SSA.
Provider Appeals
Transfer of Administrative Law Judges from SSA to DHHS
- Requires SSA and DHHS to develop a plan under which the functions of
Administrative Law Judges for hearing Medicare cases will be transferred
from SSA to DHHS.
- SSA and DHHS must develop and transmit this plan to Congress and the
Comptroller General by October 1, 2002. The Comptroller General must
submit to Congress a report evaluating this plan by April 1, 2003. SSA
and DHHS shall implement this plan no sooner than July 1, 2003, and no
later than October 1, 2003.
Beneficiary Outreach Demonstration Program
Medicare Specialists
- Requires DHHS to create a Medicare specialist position. The Medicare
specialist will provide assistance and advice Medicare beneficiaries.
These specialists will be located in at least six offices or areas. This
demonstration project will last three years.
- Effective upon enactment.
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