The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released updated instructions for states on eligibility and enrollment processes for the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). The guidance provides states with instructions to implement policies in the Streamlining Medicaid; Medicare Savings Program Eligibility and Enrollment Final Rule (CMS 2421-F) in advance of upcoming compliance dates. The final rule simplifies processes for eligible individuals to enroll and retain eligibility in the MSPs through various measures including automatically enrolling most Medicare-enrolled SSI recipients into the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) group, which covers Medicare premiums and cost-sharing, better leveraging the Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program to enroll eligible individuals in the MSPs, and reducing documentation requirements for MSP applicants prior to enrollment. The guidance is contained in chapter one of the Manual for the State Payment of Medicare Premiums (also called the “State Buy-in Manual”).
The Medicare Savings Programs provide crucial assistance to low-income Medicare beneficiaries. However, many eligible people do not enroll in the MSPs. We applaud CMS for their work on improving enrollment processes, which are expected to increase enrollment in these essential programs.
More information on Medicare Savings Programs is available at Medicare Savings Programs – Center for Medicare Advocacy
February 22, 2024 – K. Kertesz