Bill > S880

This bill modifies Massachusetts state law regarding Medicare savings programs (MSPs), which help low-income seniors and people with disabilities pay for Medicare expenses. Specifically, the bill amends Chapter 118E to allow the state division of health care financing to disregard income up to 165% of the federal poverty level when determining eligibility for three Medicare savings programs: the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and Qualified Individual (QI) programs. These programs help low-income Medicare beneficiaries cover Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments. The bill also requires the state division to implement a waiting list if the number of qualified applicants for the Qualified Individual Program exceeds the annual block grant amount. Additionally, the division must submit a state plan amendment within 30 days of the bill's effective date and create the necessary regulations to implement these income and asset disregards, which should help more low-income individuals access Medicare savings programs.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S880