The Washington legislature is considering changes to the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) that helps people with Medicare pay their premiums, deductibles and co-payments, by raising the income eligibility limit for this help.  NoHLA’s Ann Vining told the House Health Care and Wellness committee that while SHB 1313 does not fix the Medicare Affordability Cliff, “it is a strategic, cost-effective step forward.” 

The bill would allow people with income of up to 135% of the Federal Poverty Level to be eligible for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program. The current limit is 100% of the poverty level. In comparison, adults without Medicare can get full Medicaid benefits, with additional coverage compared to Medicare, with income to 138% of the poverty level. Vining testified that this MSP is the only program that helps with cost-sharing and not just premiums. Currently, half of Medicare enrollees with income under 200% FPL spend 27% or more of their income on health care costs. With 37 years of legal services experience, Vining said she saw first-hand how many clients struggle with Medicare costs and encouraged passage because the bill would reduce hardship and save lives.

Though this bill isn’t expected to move out of House Appropriations this week, NoHLA and other advocates will continue to advocate for this policy in the budget.