In this session, staff presented a draft chapter and recommendation on the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) for inclusion in the June report to Congress. The MSPs provide Medicaid assistance with Medicare premiums and cost sharing to individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Low enrollment among those eligible has been an ongoing concern for policymakers because cost sharing assistance can affect beneficiary use of services.
This presentation provides a brief overview of the topics discussed in the draft chapter, which include MSP coverage for dually eligible beneficiaries and barriers to enrollment and participation in the MSPs. The Commission approved a recommendation to Congress aimed at increasing enrollment in the MSPs and simplifying the enrollment and eligibility redetermination process for beneficiaries and states.