H.R. 4399 – Reading Mode

109th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 4399

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

November 18, 2005

Mr. Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania (for himself and Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend the annual enrollment periods of the Medicare prescription drug benefit program and under the Medicare Advantage program, and to suspend Medicare prescription drug late enrollment penalties for two years after the initial enrollment period.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries’ Informed Choice Act of 2005.

Extension of annual enrollment periods for the Medicare prescription drug benefit program and Medicare Advantage program

(a)

In general

(1)

Enrollment for 2006

Clause (iii) of section 1851(e)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–21(e)(3)(B)) is amended by striking May 15, 2006 and inserting November 14, 2006.

(2)

Enrollment for subsequent years

Clause (iv) of such section is amended by striking beginning on November 15 and ending on December 31 of the year before such year and inserting the six-month period beginning on November 15 of the year before such year.

(b)

Conforming effectiveness of election

Section 1851(f)(3) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–21(f)(3)) is amended by inserting after the following year the following: , except that in the case of an election made on or after January 1 of a year, the election shall take effect on the first day of the first month that begins at least 14 days after the date of such election.

Suspension of late enrollment penalties for Medicare prescription drug benefit

Section 1860D–13(b)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–113(b)(3)(B)) is amended by inserting more than two years after any month beginning.

Effective date

The amendments made by this Act shall be effective as if included in the enactment of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108–173).