Bill Overview
Title: BENES 2.0 Act
Description: This bill requires Social Security account statements for individuals attaining ages 60 to 65 to include information about Medicare eligibility, late enrollment penalties, benefit coordination, and related resources. Statements with the required information must be mailed to individuals at least three months before they turn 65; the required information must also be mailed to those who are age 65 or over and are entitled to Social Security benefits three months before their initial Medicare enrollment period begins.
Sponsors: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Target Audience
Population: People aged 60 and above who are or will be eligible for Medicare
Estimated Size: 70000000
- The bill targets individuals who are approaching the age for Medicare enrollment, which starts at 65.
- The primary population is those aged between 60 to 65 who will be notified in advance about their Medicare eligibility and benefits.
- The bill also targets those age 65 and above who have not yet enrolled in Medicare.
- The impact is largely on ensuring that those eligible for Medicare have adequate information before their initial enrollment period.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts individuals aged 60 to 65 who are nearing Medicare eligibility, by ensuring they receive timely information about their eligibility and associated benefits, which could improve their decision-making and, ultimately, their wellbeing.
- Given the US population over age 60, there were around 70 million people as of recent estimates, meaning a large segment of the population could be informed early about Medicare, reducing the risk of late enrollment penalties.
- However, with budget constraints, it is unlikely that the policy affects everyone uniformly. For example, more densely populated areas may receive information in a more organized fashion than rural areas.
- Increased awareness from this policy could reduce anxiety and confusion related to Medicare's rules and penalties, potentially raising Cantril wellbeing scores among the impacted individuals significantly.
Simulated Interviews
Retired (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 64 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I was not completely sure about when to enroll in Medicare and the penalties before getting this notice.
- The information was helpful in understanding my benefits better.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Self-employed consultant (Houston, TX)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Receiving information on Medicare was a relief as I was anxious about enrolling correctly.
- I now have a better understanding of how my current health plan will transition to Medicare.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Part-time teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 66 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If I got this notice last year, I would have avoided the penalties.
- It's unfortunate that I'm learning it now, but it's good for others.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Retired engineer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I would have appreciated receiving this information before turning 65.
- It could have clarified how to switch from employer insurance without penalty.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Farmer (Rural Kansas)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The mailing was very informative and timely.
- Previously, I lacked access to reliable sources for Medicare enrollment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired lawyer (New York, NY)
Age: 75 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I already enrolled in Medicare, but I think the policy would have helped me back then.
- Correct information can really help in making informed decisions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Semi-retired (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Good to know what to expect when I transition fully to Medicare.
- I was unsure about how spousal coordination would work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired nurse (Seattle, WA)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I would have benefited greatly from early information, avoiding costly mistakes.
- It's a crucial policy for others who might be struggling with similar issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
Software engineer (Austin, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad there's information easily available now, easing my decision-making.
- Any help simplifying such a complex process is welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Portland, OR)
Age: 65 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Getting this information really helped reduce my anxiety about penalties.
- Hopefully, this policy helps others out too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $35000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $45000000)
Year 2: $35000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $45000000)
Year 3: $35000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $45000000)
Year 5: $35000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $45000000)
Year 10: $35000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $45000000)
Year 100: $35000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $45000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of information included in the mailings is critical to avoid misinformation.
- Coordination between the Social Security Administration and Medicare is essential to implement this policy smoothly.
- Administrative cost containment is important, particularly regarding mailing logistics for a large population.