Rep. Panetta Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Tackle Ghost Networks, Increase Health Care Transparency
Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to better empower patients with up-to-date information on healthcare providers covered by their insurance plans. The Requiring Enhanced and Accurate Lists (REAL) Health Providers Act would require Medicare Advantage insurance plans to update their provider directories annually starting in 2026. This legislation is co-led by Reps. Greg Murphy (NC-03), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).
Provider directories are supposed to help patients find doctors and specialists in their networks. But too often, insurers allow these directories to become outdated, creating so-called “ghost networks” of providers who are listed despite no longer practicing, not accepting patients, or not being in-network. These errors can force patients into delays, denials, or unexpected bills.
A recent review of provider directories revealed that one in three listed providers had inaccurate or non-working numbers, and over 80% of listed mental health providers were either unreachable, not accepting new patients, or not actually in-network. These gaps hit seniors, people with disabilities, and those with mental health needs especially hard.
“Patients shouldn’t have to waste hours chasing providers who don’t exist in their network, only to end up paying more or going without care,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our bipartisan bill would provide a straightforward fix by requiring Medicare Advantage plans to regularly update their directories and give patients accurate information up front. With this commonsense step, we can reduce frustration, lower costs, and make our health care system more accountable to the people it serves.”
“Ensuring seniors and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have access to accurate and updated provider directories is critical for navigating the complexities of in-network and out-of-network healthcare coverage,” said Rep. Murphy, M.D. “I’m proud to support the REAL Health Providers Act which will protect seniors from unforeseen expenses and improve their ability to receive high quality, affordable care.”
“No one should have to find out that their doctor's appointment is out-of-network after the fact,” said Rep. Schneider. “This common-sense, bipartisan bill will create a more navigable health care system and protect seniors from unexpected costs.”
“When I sit with seniors in our community, I hear a consistent and serious problem: they rely on their plan’s directory to find care, only to discover the providers listed are no longer in-network, not taking patients, or unreachable,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Outdated directories waste time, create confusion, and put health at risk. The REAL Health Providers Act takes bipartisan action to fix that, making provider lists accurate, transparent, and dependable so seniors and every patient can quickly and confidently get the care they need.”
“Everyone should be able to know if their doctor is in-network before an appointment,” said Rep. Landsman. “Right now, it’s confusing, especially for seniors, and too often ends with surprise bills. This bipartisan bill fixes what’s broken by making it clear up front who’s covered and helping folks avoid unnecessary costs.”
“Medicare Advantage beneficiaries should have full transparency of their plans’ provider network,” said Rep. Joyce, M.D. “The bipartisan REAL Health Providers Act will require accurate and updated provider directories to provide clarity for Medicare Beneficiaries so they can better navigate our health care system and receive the highest quality of care.”
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