Rep. Thomas H. Kean, Jr.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit annual reports to Congress starting in 2026 about Medicare Part D's "monthly capped cost-sharing option." The reports must track how many seniors use this option (paying a fixed monthly amount instead of variable out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions), estimate how many might benefit but aren't using it, and detail outreach efforts to inform seniors. Key mechanisms include data on enrollment via point-of-sale systems, Medicare.gov, the "Medicare & You" handbook, and 1-800-MEDICARE. The bill does not change the benefit itself but mandates transparency to improve awareness of an existing Medicare Part D option for seniors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare Advantage plans to implement electronic prior authorization systems by 2027 and publish detailed data on their approval and denial rates for medical services by 2026. It directly affects Medicare Advantage plans (private insurers offering Medicare coverage) and their enrollees (seniors 65+), mandating transparency about prior authorization decisions, processing times, and appeal outcomes. Key provisions include requiring plans to report annual statistics on request approvals/denials, average processing times, and use of technology, with this data published publicly by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The bill also sets timelines for plan responses to prior authorization requests and mandates reports to Congress on implementation and impacts.

Maddy summaryThe MEGOBARI Act directs the U.S. government to investigate and address democratic backsliding in Georgia. It requires reports within 90 days on Georgian corruption tied to Russian interests, sanctions evasion, and Russian intelligence assets, followed by potential sanctions against Georgian officials deemed responsible for undermining democracy or advancing Russian-style laws. The bill also establishes a U.S. democracy monitoring task force in Georgia and links additional U.S. aid - including trade negotiations, visa liberalization, economic packages, and defense support - to Georgia's progress toward fair elections and a free political environment. These provisions directly affect Georgia's government officials (who could face sanctions) and Georgia's eligibility for U.S. assistance. The bill does not impose new sanctions but mandates U.S. agencies to identify and sanction specific Georgian individuals under existing legal authorities.

Maddy summaryHR 8411, the Defending American Property Abroad Act, blocks U.S. government funding for activities involving foreign ports or terminals where a U.S. entity owns the land needed for access, and a foreign government has taken actions like nationalizing that land or nullifying a related contract. It requires the Homeland Security Secretary to designate such "prohibited property" within 60 days, then prohibits funding for vessels using these locations to import goods, dock, or receive maintenance. The bill mandates annual reports to Congress tracking designated properties, affected vessels, and the foreign actions triggering designations, along with assessments of economic and national security impacts. This directly affects U.S. businesses with foreign port access and U.S. agencies managing maritime activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare to provide clear outreach and education so Medicare beneficiaries (enrolled in Part A, Part B, or Medicare Advantage plans) can authorize family caregivers to access their health information via 1-800-MEDICARE. It mandates the inclusion of a specific authorization form (CMS-10106) in Medicare notices and on Medicare.gov, along with training for call center staff. The Secretary must also share best practices to prevent fraud related to caregiver access and make materials available in non-English languages. It directly affects beneficiaries, their family caregivers, healthcare providers, and Medicare call center operators.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the negotiation period for small-molecule drugs under the federal Drug Price Negotiation Program from 7 years to 11 years, matching the existing 11-year period for biologic drugs. It directly affects drug manufacturers participating in the program by extending the timeframe for price negotiations with the government. The amendment applies to all small-molecule drugs covered under the program, creating a uniform negotiation timeline for both drug types. The change takes effect as if included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Maddy summaryThe Preserving Seniors’ Access to Physicians Act of 2023 increases the Medicare payment adjustment rate for physicians from 1.25% to 4.62%, directly affecting doctors who treat Medicare patients (primarily seniors). It also reduces the funding for the Medicaid improvement fund from $5,796,117,810 to $3,973,117,810. These changes impact Medicare providers and Medicaid programs, with the Medicare adjustment aimed at supporting physicians adjusting to payment changes. The bill does not specify how the Medicaid funding reduction relates to its stated goal of preserving seniors' access to physicians.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the U.S. government to seize assets from Russian and Belarusian entities linked to Ukraine aggression without court trials, using expanded definitions of eligible property under existing sanctions. It targets assets belonging to sanctioned individuals, property involved in violating export controls (like military equipment transfers), or assets tied to Russia/Belarus's invasion of Ukraine. Seized assets would fund Ukraine's reconstruction, with the law set to expire three years after enactment. The process requires presidential emergency declarations and Attorney General certifications to ensure assets qualify under the defined criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Architect of the Capitol to create a time capsule for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary of independence). Congressional leadership will determine its contents, including representative materials about the Semiquincentennial, copies of key legislative milestones, and a message to future Congress. The capsule will be sealed on the Capitol's West Lawn by July 4, 2026, and remain unopened until July 4, 2276, when it will be presented to the 244th Congress for their consideration. The bill is procedural and does not affect citizens or change existing laws.

Maddy summaryHR 6283, the DRUG Act, regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to prevent practices that may increase prescription drug costs for consumers. The bill prohibits PBMs from earning revenue based on drug prices or discounts, requiring them to charge flat dollar service fees instead of fees tied to drug costs. It bans PBMs from steering patients to pharmacies they own or control, mandates equal reimbursement for affiliated and non-affiliated pharmacies, and prohibits charging different fees for the same drug. These provisions apply to group health plans, health insurance issuers, and PBMs, with enforcement beginning for plan years starting January 1, 2026. Violations would result in $10,000 daily penalties and require disgorgement of improperly received payments.