May 11, 2026
Mr. Downing (for himself and Mr. Doggett) introduced the following bill; which was 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
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to allow States to enforce Medicare Advantage plan requirements.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Protecting Authority and Restoring Tools Necessary for Enforcement by Regulatory States Act of 2026
or the PARTNERS Act of 2026
.
Sec. 2. Allowing States to enforce Medicare Advantage plan requirements
Section 1856(b)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–26(b)(3)) is amended—
(1)
by striking The standards
and inserting the following:
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), the standards; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
(B) State enforcement
Each State may require that MA organizations that issue, sell, renew, or offer MA plans in the State meet the requirements of this part with respect to such MA plans.
(C) Coordination of enforcement
The Secretary shall coordinate enforcement of the standards established under this part with the State in which an MA organization is licensed and any State in which the MA organization issues, sells, renews, or offers MA plans. The Secretary may enter into a collaborative enforcement agreement with any State to further coordinate enforcement.