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Press Releases

Administrative Priorities for President-Elect Biden’s Transition Team Recommended by the Medicare Rights Center

Washington, DC—The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) outlined its top administrative policy priorities in a memo to President-elect Biden. Medicare Rights is a national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs, […]

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Medicare Rights Welcomes Passage of Key BENES Act Provisions

Washington DC—The Medicare Rights Center welcomes passage in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives of key provisions of the Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification (BENES) Act (S. 1280/H.R. 2477). Included in the year-end spending bill, these policies will update Medicare enrollment rules for the first time […]

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Medicare Rights Applauds Governor Cuomo’s Decision to Extend New York State’s Special Enrollment Period for Uninsured New Yorkers

–Statement from Medicare Rights Center President Fred Riccardi–  New York, NY – The Medicare Rights Center commends Governor Andrew Cuomo for extending the Special Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers through the end of the year, to ensure that more New Yorkers can access health care during the coronavirus public health emergency.    On the Medicare Rights helpline, we often hear from people who desperately need […]

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House Subcommittee on Health Advances the Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification (BENES) Act

Washington, DC — Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health advanced the Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification (BENES) Act (H.R. 2477). Next steps for the bill include consideration by the full Committee. “We applaud the Subcommittee’s work to prioritize the BENES Act,” said Fred Riccardi, president of the […]

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President’s Budget Again Takes Aim at Key Health Care Programs

Washington, DC — On Monday, President Trump submitted his annual budget request to Congress. The administration’s plan includes legislative proposals and detailed funding recommendations for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21). While the president’s budget request is not binding on Congress and does not directly lead to any program or funding changes, […]

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Medicare Rights President Fred Riccardi Testifies to Congress About the BENES Act, Medicaid Transportation Services

Washington, DC—Today, Medicare Rights Center President Fred Riccardi testified at a hearing of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health titled “Legislation to Improve Americans’ Health Care Coverage and Outcomes.” In his testimony, Mr. Riccardi urged Congress to pass the bipartisan, bicameral Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification (BENES) […]

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U.S. House of Representatives Passes H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act —Statement by Fred Riccardi, President of the Medicare Rights Center

Washington, DC — The Medicare Rights Center applauds today’s passage of the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) by the U.S. House of Representatives. This landmark bill would significantly improve health care and prescription drug affordability for people with Medicare. At Medicare Rights, we understand the need […]

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