HB8726, the PARTNERS Act of 2026, would amend the Social Security Act to give states explicit authority to enforce Medicare Advantage plan requirements. The bill revises section 1856(b)(3) to clarify that state governments may require Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations operating in their state to comply with the federal requirements applicable to MA plans.
The bill also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate enforcement with both the state where an MA organization is licensed and any state where the organization issues, sells, renews, or offers MA plans. It further authorizes the Secretary to enter into collaborative enforcement agreements with states, creating a more formal federal-state enforcement framework for Medicare Advantage oversight.
If enacted, the bill would expand the role of states in policing Medicare Advantage plan compliance, while preserving federal standards under Medicare. It would affect MA organizations, state insurance regulators, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services by creating shared enforcement authority and allowing states to take a more active role in ensuring plan compliance in their markets.
There is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, so the bill’s sentiment cannot be measured from floor or committee action. Based on the text and sponsorship by members from different parties, the measure appears to be framed as a bipartisan oversight and consumer-protection proposal aimed at strengthening enforcement rather than changing Medicare benefits.
The main policy issue is the balance of authority between federal and state regulators. Supporters are likely to favor giving states stronger tools to enforce Medicare Advantage requirements and address local compliance problems, while potential opponents may worry about duplicative regulation, inconsistent enforcement across states, or added administrative burden for MA organizations operating in multiple jurisdictions. No specific objections are documented in the provided record.