Protect Social Security and Medicare Act

This proposal makes it harder for Congress to cut Social Security, Medicare, or other benefits run by the agencies that oversee these programs. Before either the House or Senate could even consider a bill that would reduce existing benefits, two-thirds of members present would have to agree to move forward. An exception allows cuts to payments to Medicare Advantage plans only if the same bill increases other Medicare spending by at least the same amount. Whether a proposal counts as a benefit cut (or a qualifying offset) would be decided by the Social Security Administration’s Chief Actuary.

Key points:

• Who is affected: People who receive Social Security, Medicare, or other benefits run by these agencies.
• What changes: A two‑thirds vote is required just to consider any bill that would reduce existing benefits; limited exception for Medicare Advantage if offsets increase other Medicare payments by at least the same amount.
• When: If enacted, these rules would apply to future bills considered by Congress.