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Page 1 of 5 Eligibility Operations Memo 24-03 DATE: March 2024 TO: MassHealth Eligibility Operations Staff FROM: Heather Rossi, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Eligibility Policy & Implementation

RE: Medicare Savings Programs, Formerly Known as MassHealth Senior Buy-In and MassHealth Buy-In Programs

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Disregard all MassHealth Senior Buy-In/Buy-In and Medicare Savings Programs EOMs issued before March 1, 2024. This EOM replaces all previous guidance. Medicare Savings Programs Overview Medicare Savings Programs, or MSPs (formerly known as the MassHealth Senior Buy-In and Buy-In Programs), are programs that pay for some or all of Medicare beneficiaries’ premiums, deductibles, copays, and co-insurance. In Massachusetts, MSPs are run by MassHealth. MSPs are not insurance plans. There are two levels of benefits, based on income. These program levels are known by their initials: QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries), and SLMB (Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries) or QI (Qualifying Individuals). Enrolling in any of the MSPs automatically provides drug coverage with low copays. It also lets Medicare beneficiaries sign up for Medicare Part B at any point in the year, without paying any financial penalties for signing up late. MSP Benefits A person’s level of benefits depends on their monthly income. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services Office of Medicaid www.mass.gov/masshealth