BENES 2.0 Act

Medicare sign-up notices before 65

If enacted, HHS and SSA would create a standard Medicare sign-up notice for people nearing 65. It would explain Part B rules, late penalties and relief (including retroactive enrollment), coverage coordination, special cases, and toll-free help like 1-800-MEDICARE. HHS would seek input within 6 months and finish the notice within 12 months after that input window. By 2 years after enactment, SSA would mail notices before your initial enrollment period and add them to statements for ages 60–65; people turning 65 would get a statement 6 to 3 months before their birthday. The notice would appear on SSA and Medicare websites, be reviewed at least every two years starting 4 years after enactment, and would not change SSA’s existing annual statement mailings.