House Approves Two More Larson Bills

Washington, D.C. – Today, two bipartisan bills led by Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) that focus on common-sense solutions were passed by unanimously by voice vote. These are the eighth and ninth Larson-led bills that have passed in the House this year. The two bills are the Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act (H.R. 6084) and the Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment Transparency Act (H.R. 6138).

"Medicare and Social Security are our country's greatest insurance programs that millions of Americans, especially seniors, rely on nationwide. These are two bipartisan solutions that will help strengthen both programs and I am pleased they have been unanimously approved by the House of Representatives.

"Dealing with the aftermath of fraudulent use of your Social Security number or identify theft is often overwhelming and confusing. The Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act will ensure that victims of identity theft will have a single-point of contact at the Social Security Administration. A single point of contact will provide those dealing with fraud a dedicated casework team to guide them through the complicated steps that are taken to resolving theft-related issues with their Social Security Number. Their casework team would be held accountable to seeing that the victim's case is managed through to a resolution.

"Additionally, some Medicare patients are choosing to receive care at Ambulatory Surgery Centers for same-day surgical care, including vital diagnostic and preventive health care procedures. The ASC Payment Transparency Act will help to ensure greater transparency regarding Medicare's reimbursement policies and the kinds of procedures that Medicare beneficiaries will be able to receive at these facilities. I urge the Senate to pass these two bipartisan solutions so that they may become law," said Larson.

The AARP and the National Council of Social Security Management Associations (NCSSMA) have endorsed the Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act (H.R. 6084). The AARP's letter of support can be viewed here and the letter from NCSSMA here.