Sec. 404. Beneficiary ombudsman
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/bill/116/hr/1384/ih/section-404·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary shall appoint a Beneficiary Ombudsman who shall have expertise and experience in the fields of health care and education of, and assistance to, individuals enrolled under this Act. The Beneficiary Ombudsman shall— receive complaints, grievances, and requests for information submitted by individuals enrolled under this Act or eligible to enroll under this Act with respect to any aspect of the Medicare for All Program; provide assistance with respect to complaints, grievances, and requests referred to in paragraph (1), including assistance in collecting relevant information for such individuals, to seek an appeal of a decision or determination made by a regional office or the Secretary; and submit annual reports to Congress and the Secretary that describe the activities of the Ombudsman and that include such recommendations for improvement in the administration of this Act as the Ombudsman determines appropriate.
The Ombudsman shall not serve as an advocate for any increases in payments or new coverage of services, but may identify issues and problems in payment or coverage policies.