Bill > S3316

This bill, the Helping Seniors Afford Medicare Act of 2018, aims to improve the affordability and enrollment procedures of the Medicare program. Key provisions include: 1. Establishing an annual out-of-pocket limit for Medicare fee-for-service benefits to protect beneficiaries from high out-of-pocket costs. 2. Increasing income eligibility for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program from 100% to 135% of the federal poverty level, and increasing income eligibility for the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program from 120% to 150% of the federal poverty level. 3. Aligning the income and resource eligibility tests for the Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low-Income Subsidy, and simplifying the enrollment process. 4. Reducing Medicare cost-sharing by 50% for individuals with incomes between 135-200% of the federal poverty level. 5. Improving Medicare enrollment procedures, including extending the general enrollment period, establishing special enrollment periods, and limiting late enrollment penalties for certain residents of Puerto Rico. Overall, the bill aims to make Medicare more affordable and accessible for low-income beneficiaries.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/3316/all-info