Bill > SB122

This bill, known as "The Help for Low Income Seniors Act," aims to expand financial eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program by removing asset limits and increasing income thresholds. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to eliminate the resource (asset) test and adjust income limits so that individuals with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level qualify as Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries, and those with incomes between 185% and 250% of the federal poverty level qualify as Qualified Individuals. The department is required to adopt rules implementing these changes and submit the necessary amendments to the state Medicaid plan to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by November 1, 2025. The fiscal note indicates that this change could potentially help approximately 10,000 individuals access Medicare benefits more easily, with an estimated annual cost of $14.3 million in general funds (with matching federal funds). The bill is designed to potentially help lower-income seniors remain in their homes by providing more comprehensive Medicare coverage and reducing financial barriers to healthcare access.

Health and Social Services

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=947&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB122