Bill > S1844

This bill aims to move Medicare cost-sharing benefits from Medicaid to Medicare. Specifically, the bill would: 1. Establish a new "Medicare Cost Assistance Program" within Medicare to provide cost-sharing assistance (e.g., premiums, coinsurance, deductibles) for low-income Medicare beneficiaries who were previously eligible for these benefits through Medicaid. This assistance would be determined jointly with the determination of eligibility for Part D low-income subsidies. 2. Eliminate most Medicare cost-sharing benefits under Medicaid starting January 1, 2023, with the exception of benefits for certain disabled and working individuals. 3. Expand access to Part D low-income subsidies by increasing the income eligibility threshold from 135% to 200% of the federal poverty level. 4. Require a public awareness campaign to educate Medicare beneficiaries about the availability of the new Medicare cost assistance program. The goal of the bill is to simplify and streamline the provision of Medicare cost-sharing assistance for low-income individuals by moving these benefits fully into the Medicare program.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1844/all-info