Research has long shown that such costs lead enrollees to delay or skip needed care.
A crucial yet often overlooked government resourcethe Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)could help ease this burden.
Like Medicaid, MSPs are implemented by each state.
They also vary significantly by state.
This paper explores the findings and discusses their implications regarding solutions.
Potential beneficiaries also face onerous eligibility and enrollment processes and cite concerns about jeopardizing other benefits.
States already have the option to expand eligibility by raising income and asset limits.
However, most states still use the federal minimum standards.
Medicaid agencies are required by federal statute to use LIS eligibility data toproactivelyinitiate MSP applications.
There are likely several reasons states have not made greater inroads in improving MSP enrollment rates.
For instance, past efforts have shown that education and outreach to eligible individuals are not quick or easy.
The proposed federal rule encourages states to fully leverage data and electronic verifications, where possible.
