CMS Finalizes Rule to Streamline Medicare Savings Program Enrollment

• By: USAging
• On: 09/29/2023 11:27:46
• In: Policy & Advocacy

On September 18, CMS issued a final rule to simplify enrollment in Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), which cover Medicare premiums for eligible older adults and people with disabilities. CMS estimates the changes will make coverage more affordable for approximately 860,000 people. 

According to MACPAC, only around half of people currently eligible for MSPs are enrolled due to the unwieldy and difficult application process. To make it easier for eligible people to receive MSP benefits, MSPs will now automatically enroll many eligible SSI recipients into MSP coverage that covers cost sharing and Medicare premiums. Furthermore, states will now be required to use data from the Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy to encourage eligible people to also enroll in MSPs. The rule is set to go into effect on November 17, 2023.