This week, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-R) introduced the Local Coverage Determination Clarification Act to aid and improve medical decisions for seniors.

“Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) play a critical role in ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries have access to needed care. However, the opaque process used by MACs to make coverage decisions can limit or deny patients’ access to necessary care,” said Congresswoman Jenkins. “For many procedures, doctors must seek reimbursement permission from one of the 12 local MACs that are responsible for designated areas of the country. However, each MAC is independent, meaning that a procedure covered in one state may not be covered in another. This arbitrary care needs to stop, for the wellbeing of our seniors. By establishing a clear process so that only health experts are making sound health decisions, we can improve transparency and accountability among MACs and ensure our nation’s seniors receive quality health care treatment.”