Bill · H.R. 5281· House(119-HR-5281)
REAL Health Providers Act
- Introduced
- 9/10/2025
- Last activity
- 9/10/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- Sponsored by
- Jimmy Panetta
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "REAL Health Providers Act," aims to improve the accuracy of provider directories for Medicare Advantage plans. It requires these organizations to maintain accurate, publicly available internet directories that include specific provider details. The bill mandates regular verification of this information and requires providers to be removed promptly when they no longer participate in a network. Furthermore, it establishes cost-sharing protections for enrollees who rely on incorrect directory information. Finally, it requires annual accuracy analyses and the publication of accuracy scores to ensure transparency.
Yes· 3 of 7
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+7
The bill provides significant financial and informational protections for Medicare beneficiaries regarding provider networks.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+7
The bill mandates that Medicare Advantage organizations provide accurate provider directories and protects enrollees from higher costs caused by directory errors.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+6
The bill improves healthcare access by requiring accurate, up-to-date information regarding provider availability and network status.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Access to Information: MA organizations must maintain a publicly available internet website with an accurate directory containing details like name, specialty, contact information, and whether a provider is accepting new patients (Section 2(a)(2)(B)).
-
Increased Data Reliability: Organizations are required to verify directory information at least every 90 days, or more frequently for certain facilities, to ensure it stays current (Section 2(a)(2)(A)(ii)).
-
Financial Protections for Errors: If an enrollee relies on an incorrect directory and sees a provider not in the network, the MA organization must ensure the enrollee only pays the lesser of the in-network cost-sharing amount or the standard cost-sharing amount (Section 2(b)(1)(A)).
-
Enhanced Transparency for Consumers: The Secretary must post provider directory accuracy scores on the CMS website, and these scores must be listed prominently on the plan's own provider directory (Section 2(b)(1)(B)).
-
Informed Decision Making: The bill requires MA organizations to notify enrollees about their cost-sharing protections through annual notifications, in the provider directory, and in an explanation of benefits (Section 2(b)(1)(B)(ii)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Information Uncertainty: If an organization cannot verify provider information, they must include an indication in the directory that the information may not be up to date (Section 2(a)(2)(A)(iii)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Seniors+7Good For Low Income Households+4Good For People With Disabilities+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+6Increases Medicare Funding+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+3
- 2/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/7/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/24/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/10/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
4 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Jake AuchinclossDemocrat · Massachusetts
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Christopher DeluzioDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
John JoyceRepublican · Pennsylvania
Greg LandsmanDemocrat · Ohio
Gregory MurphyRepublican · North Carolina
Bradley SchneiderDemocrat · Illinois