Protect Social Security and Medicare Act
Sponsored By: Representative Pocan
Introduced
Summary
Requires a two-thirds vote to consider any proposal that would cut benefits administered by the Social Security Administration or by Medicare. It creates a narrow exception for reductions to Medicare Advantage payments if they are offset by equal or greater increases elsewhere in Medicare, and it makes the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Chief Actuary the sole authority to determine whether a provision would cut benefits during consideration.
Show full summary
- Seniors and people with disabilities: Would raise the bar for cuts to their benefits by requiring a two-thirds vote before Congress can consider reductions.
- Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare funding: Would permit cuts to Medicare Advantage payments only when Congress offsets them with equal or larger increases elsewhere in Medicare.
- Legislative process and technical review: Gives the SSA Office of the Chief Actuary sole responsibility to decide whether a proposal would reduce benefits while the measure is being debated.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Harder to cut Social Security or Medicare
This bill would make it harder for Congress to cut Social Security, Medicare, or other benefits run by SSA or CMS, including Medicaid. Any bill or amendment that cuts these benefits could not be taken up unless two-thirds of members present and voting agree. One narrow exception: cuts to Medicare Advantage plan payments would be allowed only if other Medicare payments rise by at least the same amount. The SSA Office of the Chief Actuary would make the official call on whether a change counts as a cut or an offset. If enacted, this would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Pocan
WI • D
Cosponsors
Doggett
TX • D
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Frost
FL • D
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 3/10/2025
Tlaib
MI • D
Sponsored 3/26/2025
Jayapal
WA • D
Sponsored 3/26/2025
Thanedar
MI • D
Sponsored 3/26/2025
Omar
MN • D
Sponsored 4/7/2025
Tokuda
HI • D
Sponsored 4/7/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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