The resolution introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, SR 2465, urges the United States Congress to take action to protect patients and traditional Medicare from the negative impacts of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. It highlights the historical context of Medicare's establishment in 1965 and the subsequent introduction of private MA plans, which have increasingly enrolled a significant portion of Medicare beneficiaries. The resolution points out that MA plans often provide inferior coverage compared to traditional Medicare, with higher costs for enrollees, particularly when serious health issues arise. It also notes that MA plans have been associated with practices that prioritize corporate profits over patient care, such as "cherry-picking" healthier enrollees and denying necessary medical services.

The resolution calls for specific legislative and administrative actions to enhance transparency and accountability in MA plans, including stricter regulations on marketing practices, audits to identify fraud, and measures to ensure that historically disadvantaged groups are not forced into inferior plans. It emphasizes the need for Congress to prioritize patient welfare over corporate interests and to redirect funds from MA plans to strengthen traditional Medicare. The resolution concludes by directing the Secretary of State to transmit copies to relevant congressional members, advocating for the protection and expansion of traditional Medicare.

Introduced by Senators Ujifusa, Ciccone, Tikoian, DiMario, Lauria, and Valverde on February 6, the resolution has been referred to the Senate Health & Human Services committee.