REAL Health Providers Act

This bill makes Medicare Advantage plans keep their online doctor and hospital lists accurate and easy to use. Starting in 2028, plans must post a public, up‑to‑date directory, verify listings at least every 90 days, flag any entries they can’t verify, and remove providers within five business days if they leave the network. Directories must show useful details like name, specialty, contact info, whether they’re taking new patients, accessibility features, language and cultural skills, and telehealth options .

If you book a visit with a provider who is listed as in‑network in the directory but turns out not to be, you won’t have to pay more than the in‑network amount. Plans must tell members about these protections in their directories and explanations of benefits, starting in 2028.

• Who is affected
  • People enrolled in Medicare Advantage and the plans that manage these networks.
• What changes
  • Plans must run yearly checks of directory accuracy from 2028 on, including specialties like mental health and substance use treatment, and report an accuracy score to Medicare.
  • Medicare will post these accuracy scores online starting in 2029, and plans must show their score clearly on their own directories.
  • $4 million is set aside in 2026 to help carry this out.
  • A GAO study will review how this is working and report to Congress by January 15, 2032.
  • HHS will hold a public meeting within 3 months of enactment and issue guidance within 12 months to help plans and providers keep directories accurate, including when Part B providers should update the national provider database.