Press Releases

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Improving Medicare Services Act of 2024 on Friday, October 4. It is a bipartisan bill aimed at ensuring seniors receive the vital healthcare assistance they deserve by modernizing and improving the 1-800-Medicare call line. The legislation, co-led by Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46), directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a comprehensive study and share recommendations on the 1-800-Medicare line, a critical resource for millions of Medicare beneficiaries.

The study will analyze key aspects of the call line’s performance, including customer wait times and satisfaction, staffing competency and contractor performance, and benchmarking potential improvements or downgrades in service. Based on its findings, it will also provide recommendations to Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Notably, this study will be the first in over 15 years completed by the Government Accountability Office on the 1-800-Medicare call line. By taking a data-driven approach, Congresswoman De La Cruz and Congressman Correa aim to ensure that all Medicare beneficiaries receive timely, accurate, and professional assistance whenever they call the helpline.

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz issued the following statement on the importance of this initiative:

"Seniors rely on the 1-800-Medicare call line for essential information and assistance regarding their healthcare coverage,” De La Cruz said. “We must ensure that this service is meeting their needs efficiently and effectively. This study will highlight where improvements are needed and ensure that we have updated data to make informed decisions on behalf of Medicare recipients. With this legislation, we’re standing up for our seniors to ensure they get the high-quality service they’ve earned."

The study will also describe any actions taken by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or contractors carrying out 1-800-Medicare services in response to previous recommendations provided by the GAO.

“Our seniors here in Orange County and across the country deserve meaningful access to the health care they’ve earned and deserve. They shouldn’t be forced to wait countless hours for answers to get themselves the care they need,” Correa said. “I hear from seniors in my community every day who are forced to endure long wait times, unhelpful responses, and poor service quality, and it’s unacceptable. We’re introducing this legislation today to make sure that all Medicare beneficiaries get timely, accurate, and professional help whenever they call 1-800-Medicare. Because our seniors deserve no less.”

Original cosponsors are Correa, Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22), and Rep. Brandon Williams (NY-22).