Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D., announced on Apr. 22 the introduction of the bipartisan Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026, which aims to increase accountability and strengthen patient protections within the Medicare Advantage program.
The proposed legislation addresses concerns about delays in care, inconsistent coverage decisions, and administrative barriers that have affected seniors’ access to timely healthcare. The bill is intended to ensure that seniors receive reliable care without unnecessary interference or denial.
“For too long, cases of abuse have crept into Medicare Advantage, pulling it away from its core mission of serving America’s seniors,” said Dr. Miller-Meeks. “As a physician, I’ve seen how these practices delay care, create unnecessary barriers, and increase the cost of healthcare. This bill restores accountability, cracks down on bad actors, and ensures Iowa seniors can access the care they need, without delay, without denial, and without interference from bureaucratic red tape.”
Rep. John Joyce said: “Medicare is a promise to America’s seniors that they will have dependable access to quality healthcare in their later years. However, that promise has been undermined by unnecessary barriers to care—particularly through excessive use of prior authorization and inappropriate coverage denials in Medicare Advantage. As a physician, I have seen firsthand how these delays harm patients and take valuable time away from the doctor-patient relationship. The Medicare Advantage Improvement Act will restore accountability, reduce unnecessary barriers, and ensure that seniors receive timely, high-quality care.”
According to publicly available information Mariannette Miller-Meeks is currently serving in the U.S. Congress, representing Iowa’s 1st district since replacing Dave Loebsack in 2021; she previously served in the Iowa Senate from 2019 to 2021 according to her biography. She was born in Herlong, California in 1955 and currently lives in Le Claire as reported by local news. Miller-Meeks graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Christian University in 1976.
The legislation would implement reforms such as strengthening oversight for non-compliant plans; increasing transparency; streamlining prior authorization processes; aligning coverage criteria with traditional Medicare; reducing administrative burdens through automation; and expanding access to post-acute care providers.
Miller-Meeks co-leads this effort alongside Representatives John Joyce (PA-13), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Ami Bera (CA-06), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), and Kim Schrier (WA-08). Supporters say these changes are designed “to refocus Medicare Advantage on its original mission,” ensuring high-quality patient-centered care while minimizing bureaucracy.
