Reminder: Deadline to Submit Comments on the Draft Manual for State Payment of Medicare Premiums is February 29

Reminder: Deadline to Submit Comments on the Draft Manual for State Payment of Medicare Premiums is February 29

On December 13, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a draft Manual for State Payment of Medicare Premiums (formerly called “State Buy-in Manual”) to states and other stakeholders for review and comment. The draft manual updates information and instructions to states on federal policy, operations, and systems concerning the payment of Parts A and B premiums (or buy-in) for individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The manual update is part of CMS’ Better Care for Dual Eligible Individuals Strategic Initiative aimed at improving quality, reducing costs, and improving customer experiences.

States pay Medicare Part B premiums each month for over 10 million individuals and Part A premium for over 700,000 individuals. This process promotes access to Medicare coverage for low-income older adults and people with disabilities, and it helps states ensure that Medicare pays primary to Medicaid for its dually eligible residents. Despite the importance of this process, federal guidance on buy-in is out of date.

For some time, states have sought CMS written direction and guidance on various legislative and regulatory requirements for the payment of Medicare premiums. Through this updated manual, we are aiming to provide current, clear, comprehensive guidance. We hope that you find these updated instructions helpful. We look forward to improving the draft based on your input. 

We are welcoming comments through 5:00 p.m. EST on February 29, 2020. For more information, including instructions on how to submit comments, visit: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-medicaid-coordination/medicare-medicaid-coordination-office/state-payment-medicare-premiums.