Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs ActThis bill specifies that certain Medicaid enrollees automatically qualify for low-income subsidies under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Specifically, the bill automatically qualifies individuals who were enrolled in Medicaid before they turned 65 (as part of Medicaid expansion under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) and whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty line.
Impact
If enacted, HB2340 would affect the eligibility criteria for Medicare Part D subsidies, allowing a broader segment of the Medicaid population to qualify for financial assistance with their prescription drug costs. This change is significant as it could enhance the affordability of healthcare for low-income individuals, including many older adults and disabled individuals, improving their overall health outcomes by making necessary medications more accessible.
Summary
House Bill 2340, titled the 'Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs Act,' proposes amendments to Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, which governs Medicare. The bill primarily aims to facilitate the automatic qualification of certain Medicaid beneficiaries for premium and cost-sharing subsidies under Medicare Part D. This initiative targets individuals enrolled in Medicaid who have incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, thereby potentially increasing their access to affordable prescription drugs through Medicare.
Contention
While supporters of the bill argue that it represents a critical step in addressing healthcare costs for vulnerable populations, potential opposition may arise from concerns related to the implications for Medicaid funding and the responsibilities of state programs. Stakeholders worried about the increased financial burden on state Medicaid programs might raise questions about the sustainability of the proposed subsidies as the eligibility framework expands. Furthermore, the bill's long-term impact on federal and state budgetary frameworks could be a point of contention in legislative discussions.
Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act or the COVER Now Act This bill establishes a demonstration program to allow local governments to provide health benefits to the Medicaid expansion population in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. The bill prohibits states from taking certain actions against participating localities, such as withholding funding, increasing taxes, or restricting provider participation. States that violate these requirements are subject to certain funding penalties.
Advanced Safe Testing at Residence Telehealth Act of 2023 This bill temporarily establishes several programs to provide telehealth services for at-home testing, evaluations, and other health care. Specifically, the bill establishes a demonstration program to provide assistive telehealth consultations and home- and community-based care for certain Medicare beneficiaries through Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Covered services include certain at-home diagnostic tests, telehealth consultations, transportation services, and meal benefits. Beneficiaries must be (1) age 65 or older and eligible to enroll in a qualifying MA plan and to receive certain low-income subsidies under the Medicare prescription drug benefit, or (2) dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid benefits. The bill also establishes a grant program for state Medicaid programs to cover similar at-home tests and related telehealth consultations. Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs must establish a pilot program to provide tests and related telehealth consultations free of charge to veterans.