An act relating to Medicare Savings Program eligibility

This bill would expand eligibility for Vermont's Medicare Savings Programs by raising income limits for two of the three programs. It increases the income threshold for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program to 150 percent of the federal poverty level and raises the limit for the Qualifying Individual Program to 185 percent of the federal poverty level. The legislation also eliminates the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program entirely. These changes would allow more low-income Vermonters to qualify for financial assistance with their Medicare premiums and cost-sharing. The bill requires approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services before the new eligibility rules take effect.