DOWNING INTRODUCES PARTNERS ACT TO GRANT STATES ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY OVER MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) introduced the Protecting Authority and Restoring Tools Necessary for Enforcement by Regulatory States Act of 2026, or the “PARTNERS Act of 2026,” legislation to grant states the ability to enforce existing federal Medicare Advantage (MA) plan requirements.

Under current law, states are largely preempted from independently enforcing standards on Medicare Advantage plans, leaving federal regulators as the sole enforcement authority. The PARTNERS Act would create a parallel state enforcement track allowing states to require MA organizations operating within their borders to comply with existing federal MA requirements. 

Importantly, the legislation does not create any new standards or mandates for Medicare Advantage plans. Instead, it grants enforcement tools to states and strengthens coordination between federal and state regulators. 

“States should not be forced to sit on the sidelines when it comes to enforcing standards for Medicare Advantage plans,” said Congressman Downing. “The PARTNERS Act grants commonsense enforcement authority to states while improving coordination with federal regulators, allowing states and CMS to work together through collaborative enforcement agreements. This bill is about accountability, consumer protection, and ensuring the rules already on the books are properly enforced.”

The legislation also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate enforcement efforts with states where Medicare Advantage organizations are licensed or operate. 

Background:

Current law preempts states from enforcing their own standards on Medicare Advantage plans, even when those plans are sold and operated within their borders. The PARTNERS Act amends Section 1856(b)(3) of the Social Security Act to clarify that states may independently enforce existing federal Medicare Advantage requirements.

The legislation does not establish new Medicare Advantage standards. Instead, it empowers states to enforce the standards already established under federal law and encourages coordination between federal and state regulators.