EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY OF SPECIALIZED MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS INDIVIDUALS TO RESTRICT ENROLLMENT.

SEC. 108. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY OF SPECIALIZED MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS INDIVIDUALS TO RESTRICT ENROLLMENT.(a) Extension of Authority To Restrict Enrollment.—Section 1859(f) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(f)) is amended by striking “2009” and inserting “2010”.(b) Moratorium.—(1) Authority to designate other plans as specialized ma plans.—During the period beginning on January 1, 2008, and ending on December 31, 2009, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall not exercise the authority provided under section 231(d) of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (42 U.S.C. 1395w–21 note) to designate other plans as specialized MA plans for special needs individuals under part C of title XVIII 121 STAT. 2497 of the Social Security Act. The preceding sentence shall not apply to plans designated as specialized MA plans for special needs individuals under such authority prior to January 1, 2008.(2) Enrollment in new plans.—During the period beginning on January 1, 2008, and ending on December 31, 2009, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall not permit enrollment of any individual residing in an area in a specialized Medicare Advantage plan for special needs individuals under part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to take effect unless that specialized Medicare Advantage plan for special needs individuals was available for enrollment for individuals residing in that area on January 1, 2008.