S. 1903: To prohibit changes to Medicare and Medicaid in reconciliation.

This bill is aimed at amending the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit any changes to Medicare and Medicaid programs during the reconciliation process. Reconciliation is a legislative procedure that allows for expedited consideration of certain budgetary legislation, primarily aimed at bringing federal spending in line with revenue.

Key Provisions

• Amendment to Budget Act: The bill seeks to modify Section 310(g) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. This section currently allows for recommendations related to the Social Security Act as well as other budgetary matters.
• Expansion of Protections: The modification includes specific references to both the Medicare program and the Medicaid program, which are government-funded health insurance programs that serve particular populations, such as those aged 65 and older, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities.
• No Changes Allowed: If the bill is enacted, it would essentially prevent Congress from using the reconciliation process to enact changes to policies or funding associated with Medicare and Medicaid. This means that any proposed alterations to these programs would have to go through the standard legislative process, which typically requires a higher level of bipartisan support.

Implications

The implications of this bill could be significant for the structure and funding of Medicare and Medicaid, ensuring that these programs remain stable and protected from rapid changes that could be made through reconciliation—a process that can facilitate swift legislative action with a simple majority in the Senate.

Relevant Companies

• None found