This bill changes how states verify the assets of people applying for Medicaid to ensure that only those who qualify receive benefits. It aims to make the process more efficient and fair.
Safeguarding Medicaid Act This bill requires states and territories to implement asset verification programs to determine an individual's Medicaid eligibility. Currently, states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are required to have asset verification programs to determine an individual's eligibility for Medicaid if the individual is age 65 or older, blind, or disabled. The bill applies this requirement to all states and territories and to all individuals seeking Medicaid eligibility. The bill also requires state Medicaid programs to implement resource tests to determine an individual's Medicaid eligibility (currently, such tests are prohibited except for those age 65 or older or who are blind or disabled). The resource test must conform with the resource test for determining an individual's eligibility for Supplemental Security Income, unless the state specifies a different threshold. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must create a system to track any federal savings due to implementation of the required asset verification programs. States that do not comply with federal requirements regarding Medicaid eligibility determinations must submit corrective action plans to the CMS.