New Bill Calls for Study of Medicare's Toll-Free Line

De La Cruz said the study is the first since the U.S. Government Accountability Office offered recommendations 15 years ago.

"The study will also describe any actions taken by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or contractors carrying out 1-800-Medicare services in response to previous recommendations provided by the GAO," De La Cruz said.

By taking a data-driven approach, the bill would "ensure that all Medicare beneficiaries receive timely, accurate, and professional assistance whenever they call the helpline," according to the statement.

Dan Adcock, director of Government Relations and Policy at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, told ThinkAdvisor that while the group has not taken a position on the bill, it agrees "that the wait times on the toll-free Medicare phone number should be reduced."

However, Adcock continued, "that means that the appropriation for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services needs to be adequately increased. But the House majority has repeatedly voted to cut non-defense discretionary spending, which includes funding for CMS. So the goal of the legislation will not be achieved unless Congress agrees to invest in CMS and other agencies and programs critical to seniors."