Protecting Options for Seniors Act of 2025
Key claim: HR2610 would increase Medicare Advantage plan payments in areas where the average hospital wage index rose more than 20% compared to the prior year, with increases proportional to the wage index growth.
Abstract
(HR2610 · 119th Congress) Protecting Options for Seniors Act of 2025 This bill increases payments for Medicare Advantage plans in areas in which the average hospital wage index increased by more than 20% compared to the previous year. Payment increases are based on the percentage by which the average hospital wage index increased compared to the previous year and weighted by the proportion of attributable payments in the area. Latest action (2025-04-02): 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.
Why this matters
Medicare Advantage payment benchmarks partly reflect local input costs, and areas with rapidly rising hospital wages can face plan participation or benefit pressures when payments lag. This bill would create a targeted adjustment for high wage-growth regions, potentially affecting MA plan availability, supplemental benefits, and premiums for seniors in those areas. As introduced legislation with no committee action reported, its practical impact remains contingent on advancing through the Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce committees.