Bill > H1415

This bill amends Massachusetts law to protect Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) from improper medical billing. Specifically, the legislation prohibits Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and MassHealth providers and suppliers from billing QMB-eligible beneficiaries for Medicare Part A or Part B cost-sharing expenses, which includes deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. Providers who violate this prohibition will be subject to sanctions that the state's division will develop within 90 days of the law taking effect. These sanctions may include monetary fines, but will also consider mitigating factors like clerical errors or unintentional mistakes. The bill aims to ensure that low-income Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for the QMB program are not inappropriately charged for medical expenses that should be fully covered under federal and state law.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1415