Barrett Helps Introduce Bill to Improve Access to Medicare Assistance and Support

Washington, D.C. -Yesterday, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) joined Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46) in introducing the Improving Medicare Services Act (H.R. 8216) to improve customer service for Medicare patients. Specifically, this bill would require the Government Accountability Agency (GAO) to study and share recommendations to Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on customer wait times and satisfaction, staffing competency and contractor performance, as well as information on improvements or downgrades in service.

"There is nothing more frustrating than sitting on hold for hours to not get the help you need - especially when the help you need is simply accessing your Medicare," said Barrett."Congress needs to take every step necessary to ensure Medicare services and assistance are easily accessible for those who rely on it, and this bill is an important step to fulfilling that promise. I'm grateful to Congresswoman De La Cruz and Congressman Correa for their work on this legislation and look forward to continuing to build a system that puts patients first."

The last GAO study regarding the 1-800-Medicare line was over 15 years ago, leaving Congress without updated information on the vital service that seniors rely on.

Click hereto read the bill.

BACKGROUND:

This bill builds on the six health care billspreviously added to Barrett's plan to address our broken health care system, part of his larger Blueprint for a Better America. The seven-bill package will lower health care costs by forcing insurance companies to prioritize patients' care instead of profits, cracking down on fraud, expanding access to insurance options and health savings accounts, and lowering the cost of prescription drugs.

About Barrett's Blueprint for a Better America:

• Restoring Trust in Government: Making Government Serve the People, Not Special Interests
• Reviving the American Dream:Helping Families Afford Homes in Mid-Michigan
• Making Health Care Affordable Again:Lowering Costs for Working Families
• Recalibrating American Foreign Policy:Ending Endless Wars and Promoting Peace Through Strength
• Reforming Campaign Finance: Putting Governing Before Campaigning