House Bill Would Ban Insurers From Owning Medicare Provider Groups Under POP Act
The POP Act is currently sitting in three different House committees and has not moved forward since September 2025. Because no action has occurred for nine months, the bill is considered stalled. It must receive a vote or review from these committees before it can move any further in the legislative process.
No action since September 2025
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, 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.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Senator Jeff Merkley and Rep. Val Hoyle introduced the Patients Over Profits Act to force insurers to divest ownership of medical practices. The bill aims to return clinics to physician or non-profit ownership, citing conflicts of interest when for-profit insurers own the providers they pay.
The Patients Over Profits Act would bar large insurers and their subsidiaries from owning Medicare Part B or C providers. The bill specifically targets vertical integration seen in companies like UnitedHealth's Optum, requiring existing conglomerates to divest or face civil enforcement.
A new bill would prohibit insurance companies from owning Medicare Parts B and C providers and bar the HHS secretary from contracting with Medicare Advantage organizations that maintain such ownership. The legislation was introduced by Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Jeff Merkley.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
POP Act
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