To amend title XVIII of the Social Security to permit additional accrediting organizations to approve specialized MA plans for special needs individuals.

Sponsor: Jodey C. Arrington (Republican-TX)January 8, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

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.

Lets more organizations approve specialized Medicare plans for people with special needs.

This bill would let more private organizations approve specialized Medicare Advantage plans for people with special needs. Right now, only one main group does this. This change would take effect starting in 2026.

What Would Change

Today, specialized Medicare Advantage plans for people with special needs are primarily approved by one specific accrediting organization. If this bill becomes law, starting in 2026, other private organizations would also be able to approve these plans, provided they meet standards set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Key Provisions

Lets other private organizations approve specialized Medicare Advantage plans for special needs individuals starting in 2026.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to set the standards for approving these specialized Medicare Advantage plans.
Changes the official language in the Social Security Act to reflect that any approved accrediting organization can give approval, not just one specific group.

View on Congress.gov

HR 6974 · 119th Congress · January 8, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 10/10

Lobbying Activity

3 filings mentioned this bill

Top Lobbying Clients

URAC

4 filings

AMERICA'S HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS INC (AHIP)

1 filing

Top Lobbying Firms

1.URAC4 filings

2.AMERICA'S HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS, INC. (AHIP)1 filing

Amounts reflect total quarterly lobbying spend reported to the Senate, not bill-specific spending. Source: Senate LDA filings.