II 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2312 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 16, 2006 Mr. Durbin introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to change the numerical identifier used to identify Medicare beneficiaries under the Medicare program.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Social Security Number Protection Act of 2006.

2.

Requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to change the numerical identifier used to identify Medicare beneficiaries under the Medicare program

(a)

In General

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish and implement procedures to change the numerical identifier used to identify individuals entitled to benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act or enrolled under part B of such title so that such an individual’s social security account number is not displayed on the identification card issued to the individual under the Medicare program under such title or on any explanation of Medicare benefits mailed to the individual. (b)

Authorization of Appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.