WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2477, the Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification (BENES) Act of 2019:
“The BENES Act includes four commonsense solutions that will make much-needed improvements to the coverage and quality of care that Medicare beneficiaries receive. By eliminating needless coverage gaps and providing additional eligibility notices, we are giving the millions of seniors and people with disabilities who rely on Medicare some peace of mind that they will not have to pay lifetime late-enrollment penalties. This legislation also modernizes and simplifies parts of the Medicare reporting and oversight functions, and provides life-saving access to immunosuppressive therapy for people after a kidney transplant, which was spearheaded by Ways and Means Committee member, Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI). Another Ways and Means Committee member, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), made significant contributions to this bill through the bipartisan HOSPICE Act, which ensures Medicare beneficiaries receive high-quality care at the end of life. Like much of our work, this was a true team effort, and I want to thank the many beneficiary groups for their support as we advanced the BENES Act through the House."
