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Medicare Beneficiary Freedom To Contract Act of 1997

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11892-11893)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Sep 18, 1997

Medicare Beneficiary Freedom To Contract Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise provisions added by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 regarding the use of private contracts by Medicare beneficiaries for professional services. Outlines specific requirements for private contracts between Medicare beneficiaries and physicians or health care practitioners for services for which no Medicare claims may be submitted.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Kyl, Jon [R-AZ] · R–AZ

Committees

  • Finance Committee
50 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11892-11893)

  2. Committee on Finance. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-922.

  3. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12080-12081)

  4. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12080-12081)

  5. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

  6. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Analyze S.1194 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Individual rights and government power

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