A Bill in the Works Could Help Seniors Avoid Costly Medicare Mistakes

Legislation currently being crafted seeks to help senior Americans avoid costs for falling to sign up for Medicare at the correct time, reports the Motley Fool . The Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification (BENES) Act would help them avoid penalties for late Medicare Part B enrollment, as well as close gaps in health coverage. The bill would set up mechanisms to better communicate with seniors about enrollment as they approach Medicare eligibility age; let seniors sign up late for Part B without incurring penalties under special circumstances; and oblige Medicare coverage to begin the month following enrollment for certain seniors who would otherwise face a delay. Earlier this month, former administrators from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sent a letter to congressional leaders asking them to approve the BENES Act, while the House's Energy and Commerce Committee took action to advance the bill on July 15. Bipartisan support also betters the chance of eventual passage.