Bill > S646

This bill proposes changes to the eligibility requirements for Medicare Savings Programs, which are designed to help low-income individuals with Medicare costs. Specifically, it mandates that the relevant state division must disregard income equivalent to 165% of the federal poverty level, which is adjusted annually, when determining who qualifies for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary, and Qualified Individual programs. These programs, also known as Medicare Savings or Medicare Buy-In Programs, are further described in federal law (42 U.S.C. §1396(a)(10)(E)). Crucially, the bill also eliminates the asset test, meaning individuals will no longer have their savings or property evaluated to determine their eligibility for these programs. The state division will be required to update its state plan and create new regulations to put these changes into effect.