H.R. 8216: Improving Medicare Services Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Improving Medicare Services Act of 2026, mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the 1–800–MEDICARE service. The study must be completed and reported to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment date. The report should include various analyses and recommendations concerning the service's operations. The specific requirements of the report include:

Analysis of Customer Experience

• An analysis of customer wait times and overall satisfaction with the 1–800–MEDICARE hotline.

Staffing Assessment

• An analysis of staffing competency and staffing levels to determine if there are sufficient trained personnel to handle inquiries and issues effectively.

Contractor Performance

• An analysis of the performance of contractors involved in delivering services through 1–800–MEDICARE.

Historical Service Assessment

• A description of any improvements or downgrades in service areas that have been previously evaluated in past reports from the Comptroller General.

Recommendations

• Recommendations for both Congress and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on how to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of 1–800–MEDICARE.

Response to Previous Recommendations

• A description of actions taken by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or any contractors in response to previous recommendations made by the Comptroller General related to the 1–800–MEDICARE service.

The intent of the bill is to assess and improve the services provided by the 1–800–MEDICARE hotline, ensuring that it operates effectively for those who rely on it for information and assistance regarding Medicare.

Relevant Companies

• None found