I 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1357 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 4, 2011 Mr. Pierluisi (for himself, Mrs. Christensen, Mr. Serrano, Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Hinojosa, Ms. Bordallo, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Mr. Faleomavaega, Ms. Velázquez, and Mr. Gutierrez) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to change the rules relating to enrollment of residents of Puerto Rico under part B of the Medicare program.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Puerto Rico Medicare Part B Equity Act of 2011.

2.

Change in rules for enrollment of residents of Puerto Rico under part B of the Medicare program

(a)

Extension of initial enrollment period

(1)

In general

Section 1837(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395p(d)) is amended by inserting after seven months later the following: (or 3 years in the case of an individual for whom subsection (f) does not apply because the individual is a resident of Puerto Rico). (2)

Effective date

The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply to initial enrollment periods which begin after the date of the enactment of this Act or which have not yet ended as of such date. (b)

Limitation on part B late enrollment penalty

(1)

In general

The first sentence of section 1839(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395r(b)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: , except that in the case of an individual for whom section 1837(f) did not apply because the individual is and has remained a resident of Puerto Rico, the increase under this subsection shall not apply for longer than 60 months. (2)

Effective date

The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to premiums for months beginning with the first month that begins after such date. In applying such amendment, premium increases paid for months before such first month shall be taken into account. (c)

Enhanced outreach and enrollment opportunities

The Administrator of Social Security, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall implement a plan— (1)to better inform individuals residing in Puerto Rico who are potential beneficiaries under part B of the Medicare program about their eligibility to enroll under such part and of the consequences of their late enrollment under such part; and (2)to facilitate the enrollment of those desiring to so enroll.