Medicare Financial Stability for Beneficiaries Act of 2009
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (4 Jun 2009): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6194-6201)
What this bill does
The Medicare Financial Stability for Beneficiaries Act of 2009, introduced in the Senate, aims to improve healthcare access for low-income individuals under Medicare and Medicaid. It proposes changes to how certain financial assistance is counted, potentially making more people eligible for federal and state benefits. The bill also seeks to limit prescription drug cost-sharing for eligible individuals to a maximum of 2.5% of their income.
This legislation would affect individuals enrolled in Medicare Part D's low-income subsidy program and Medicare Savings Programs. It would exempt pension and retirement benefits from resource calculations for these programs and increase the income thresholds for eligibility. Additionally, it expands special enrollment periods and eliminates certain prescription drug cost-sharing for specific dual-eligible beneficiaries.
As of its introduction on June 4, 2009, S. 1185 was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. It has not progressed further in the legislative process, meaning it would need to be considered, debated, and potentially amended by the committee before it could be voted on by the full Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Medicare Financial Stability for Beneficiaries Act of 2009 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, to disregard part D premium or cost-sharing subsidies for low-income individuals (LIS program) for purposes of determining eligibility for, or the amount of assistance or benefits provided under, any federal and state public benefit programs.
Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to Medicare Savings Programs (MSP programs) to disregard any medical assistance for some or all Medicare cost-sharing for qualified Medicare beneficiaries (QMBs) in determining eligibility for, or the amount of assistance or benefits provided under, any federal, state, or local public benefit program.
Limits cost-sharing under the part D LIS program for a year to a maximum 2.5% of income.
Exempts pension and retirement benefits from resources under the LIS and MSP programs and modifies the resource standards for determination of eligibility for the LIS program.
Increases the income eligibility to: (1) 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for full benefits and 200% of the FPL for partial benefits (sliding scale premium subsidy) under the LIS program, and (2) 150% of the FPL for QMB benefits under the MSP program.
Expands the special enrollment process to individuals eligible for an income-related subsidy under the LIS program.
Eliminates part D cost-sharing for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals.
Repeals authority for states to pay Medicare cost-sharing at Medicaid rates and authorizes medical assistance to dual eligibles in MedicareAdvantage (MA) plans.
Timeline
4 Jun 2009
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6194-6201)
Common questions
- What does S. 1185 do?
- The Medicare Financial Stability for Beneficiaries Act of 2009, introduced in the Senate, aims to improve healthcare access for low-income individuals under Medicare and Medicaid. It proposes changes to how certain financial assistance is counted, potentially making more people eligible for federal and state benefits. The bill also seeks to limit prescription drug cost-sharing for eligible individuals to a maximum of 2.5% of their income. This legislation would affect individuals enrolled in Medicare Part D's low-income subsidy program and Medicare Savings Programs. It would exempt pension and retirement benefits from resource calculations for these programs and increase the income thresholds for eligibility. Additionally, it expands special enrollment periods and eliminates certain prescription drug cost-sharing for specific dual-eligible beneficiaries. As of its introduction on June 4, 2009, S. 1185 was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. It has not progressed further in the legislative process, meaning it would need to be considered, debated, and potentially amended by the committee before it could be voted on by the full Senate.
- Has S. 1185 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1185. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1185?
- S. 1185 was sponsored by Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM] (D-NM), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 1185?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6194-6201) (4 Jun 2009).
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