Sponsors (5)
The bill trades a targeted, evidence-seeking review that could improve customer service and federal oversight of 1-800-MEDICARE for risks of inconclusive findings, added costs to taxpayers, and diverted GAO resources.
Medicare beneficiaries could see shorter wait times and improved customer service for 1-800-MEDICARE if GAO recommendations lead HHS/contractors to fix staffing or process problems.
HHS oversight could be strengthened because GAO identifying staffing or contractor deficiencies would allow the Secretary to take corrective actions, improving program management for state governments and health systems.
Congress will receive evidence-based recommendations within about a year to inform legislation or funding decisions to improve 1-800-MEDICARE service.
Medicare beneficiaries could face delays in meaningful fixes if GAO cannot obtain reliable data and the resulting report is inconclusive.
Taxpayers could incur higher costs if Congress or HHS implement GAO-recommended service improvements without offsetting savings, increasing federal spending.
The required GAO study creates administrative burden and may divert GAO staff and resources from other oversight work.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires GAO to study 1-800-MEDICARE and report to Congress within 1 year with analyses and recommendations to improve service.
Official title: To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study relating to 1-800-MEDICARE.
Introduced April 9, 2026 by Monica De La Cruz · Last progress April 9, 2026
Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the federal 1-800-MEDICARE telephone service and deliver a report to Congress within one year of enactment. The report must analyze, using available reliable data, call wait times and customer satisfaction, staffing competency and levels, contractor performance, any changes in previously reviewed service areas, actions taken in response to prior GAO recommendations, and provide recommendations for Congress and the HHS Secretary to improve the service.