RI H7430

Rhode Island House Resolution urging Congress and federal agencies to protect Traditional Medicare and regulate Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, citing concerns that 54% of Medicare beneficiaries are now enrolled in private MA plans

Claims MA plans cost taxpayers $83-$127 billion in overpayments in 2024, while providing worse coverage than Traditional Medicare through narrower provider networks, improper prior authorization denials (13%), and higher out-of-pocket costs for seriously ill patients

Cites United Health Care's July 2025 termination of coverage at four major Rhode Island hospitals (Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children's Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Newport Hospital), disrupting care for over 10,000 patients

Requests Congress pass legislation requiring MA plan transparency, increased audits for fraud, stricter marketing regulations, prohibition of "upcoding" and "cherry-picking" practices, and redirection of MA overpayments to expand Traditional Medicare

Directs the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies to the U.S. House, Senate, and Rhode Island's congressional delegation (Senators Reed and Whitehouse, Representatives Magaziner and Amo)