BENES 2.0 Act

This bill sets up a clear, simple notice system to help people understand Medicare before they qualify. Social Security statements sent to people ages 60–65 would include a plain-language notice about Medicare Part B, how late-enrollment penalties work, when relief from penalties may apply, how Medicare works with other coverage (like employer plans), and where to get help, including 1-800-MEDICARE and Social Security’s toll-free number. These notices must also be posted on SSA and Medicare.gov websites . The government must ask for input from older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, low-income families, employers, states, and others to shape and regularly update the notice, with a review at least every two years after an initial timeline of requests and development is met. Social Security still has to mail annual statements, and statements to people nearing 65 must arrive 3–6 months before their 65th birthday. People already getting Social Security benefits would also receive a mailed Medicare notice timed to their initial enrollment period, including those who qualify because of disability, to help them enroll on time and avoid penalties.

Key points

• Who is affected: People ages 60–65; people already receiving Social Security benefits; groups like veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income families help shape the notice .
• What changes: Clear Medicare information is added to Social Security statements and mailed notices; details cover eligibility, penalties, coordination with other coverage, and where to get help; notices appear on SSA and Medicare websites; SSA’s annual mailings continue .
• When: The new info must be included in statements on or after two years after enactment; SSA must mail statements to people turning 65 between 3–6 months before their birthday; mailed notices to Social Security beneficiaries start no later than two years after enactment and are tied to each person’s enrollment window; the notice content is reviewed starting four years after enactment and at least every two years after that .