To enhance care for those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, policy makers should streamline the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) by aligning their eligibility criteria with the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program. MSPs help low-income beneficiaries cover Medicare premiums and cost-sharing, but complex eligibility and documentation requirements result in under-enrollment. Aligning MSP and LIS eligibility rules could simplify access and increase enrollment, aiding beneficiaries like the fictional Joanne in affording necessary health care services. Click here for article.
MSPs assist low-income Medicare beneficiaries by covering premiums and cost-sharing, but fewer than half of eligible individuals are enrolled due to complex eligibility processes.
Aligning MSP eligibility with the LIS program could simplify enrollment, as LIS handles prescription drug costs with less stringent rules and is administered by the Social Security Administration.
Policy changes, such as those in a recent CMS rule, aim to streamline MSP enrollment but still face barriers due to state-specific eligibility differences.
Congress and states can further align MSP and LIS criteria to reduce administrative burdens and improve access, ensuring low-income beneficiaries can afford both medical care and prescription drugs.
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