H.R. 9089: Commission on Sustaining Medicare and Social Security Act of 2026

This bill would create a temporary bipartisan commission called the Commission on Sustaining Medicare and Social Security.

What the commission would do

The commission would study ways to improve the long-term financial stability of Social Security and Medicare. Within one year after its first meeting, it would have to send Congress a report covering:

• How using different inflation measures, including the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), would affect beneficiaries and the trust funds.
• How changing the Medicare premium formula, including formulas that take financial hardship and income level into account, would affect beneficiaries and the Medicare trust fund.
• Possible reforms to make Social Security and Medicare more financially sustainable over time.
• Ways to reduce fraud, improve program integrity, and cut improper payments.

Who would serve on it

The commission would have 11 members:

• 3 appointed by the President, including the heads of Social Security and Medicare or their designees.
• 2 appointed by the Speaker of the House.
• 2 appointed by the House minority leader.
• 2 appointed by the Senate majority leader.
• 2 appointed by the Senate minority leader.

The congressional leaders would appoint members who are outside the government and have expertise in Social Security or Medicare. Members would be appointed within 60 days of enactment and would serve without pay, though they could be reimbursed for travel.

How it would operate

The commission would choose two co-chairs from among its members. It would meet within 30 days after all members are appointed and could hold hearings, request information from federal agencies, and hire staff, consultants, or contractors as needed. Federal agencies would have to provide requested information or technical support. The General Services Administration could also provide administrative support.

What happens after the report

The commission would end 60 days after it submits its report to Congress. The bill does not itself change Social Security or Medicare benefits, premiums, taxes, or eligibility rules. It only creates a group to study and recommend possible changes.

Funding

The bill authorizes $2 million to carry out the commission’s work.

Relevant Companies

None found