Health Care Efficiency Through Flexibility Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5347
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-29: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T08:06:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This Act amends the Social Security Act to provide greater flexibility in quality measure reporting for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP). It aims to ensure multiple data collection options remain available and to test digital reporting methods.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Section 2 requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make three specific collection types available for required quality measures in performance years 2025 through 2029: electronic clinical quality measures, MIPS clinical quality measures, and Medicare Clinical Quality Measures for ACOs.
- It also clarifies data completeness rules starting in 2026, allowing ACOs to exclude data from one or more participants without being deemed non-compliant, provided the overall data meets requirements and the participant could not use the chosen collection type.
- Section 3 establishes a pilot program for digital quality measure reporting in performance years 2028 through 2032. Selected ACOs report only two specified measures via a digital collection type, are exempt from reporting other measures, and have certain data disregarded in quality scoring. The Secretary must provide technical assistance and issue a public analysis with recommendations by December 31, 2032.
- Section 4 appropriates $8 million for fiscal year 2026 to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Program Management Account for implementation and reduces the Medicare Improvement Fund by $8 million.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced The bill modifies Section 1899(b)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act by adding new clauses that mandate the availability of multiple collection types and create a structured pilot for digital reporting. It also adjusts funding mechanisms under Section 1898(b)(1).
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Requires CMS to maintain multiple reporting options, administer the pilot program, and provide technical assistance, with dedicated implementation funding.
- On citizens: Indirect effects on Medicare beneficiaries through potential changes in ACO performance assessment and program efficiency.
- No direct effects on international relations are specified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and their participants.
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
- Healthcare providers and organizations involved in MSSP quality reporting.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation operates within Congress’s authority to regulate the Medicare program under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. It introduces no apparent constitutional issues and focuses on administrative flexibility rather than substantive changes to eligibility or benefits.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-29: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-06-29: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4272)
- 2026-06-29: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4272)
- 2026-06-29: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5347.
- 2026-06-29: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4272-4273)
- 2026-06-29: Mr. Smith (MO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2026-05-21: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
- 2026-05-21: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-05-13: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2026-05-13: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-17: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 43 - 0.
- 2025-09-17: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-15: 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.
- 2025-09-15: 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.
- 2025-09-15: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Bill Versions
- Health Care Efficiency Through Flexibility Act — issued 2026-06-29 — PDF (10 pages)
- Health Care Efficiency Through Flexibility Act — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (9 pages)