The bill introduces a new chapter, CHAPTER 8.16, titled "Medicare Savings Programs," within Title 40 of the General Laws related to Human Services. Its primary objective is to enhance the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) by allowing states to set income and asset limits that exceed federally mandated minimums, thereby broadening eligibility for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities. The MSP will cover the monthly Medicare Part B premium and assist with out-of-pocket costs, ultimately improving access to essential medical services for those aged 65 and older or with severe disabilities. Key provisions include definitions for terms such as "qualified individual," "qualified Medicare beneficiary," and "qualified disabled and working individual," which delineate eligibility criteria. The state is required to enroll qualified individuals in Medicare Part B and cover their premiums, with federal funding covering 100% of the costs for qualified individuals up to the federal allotment.

Additionally, the bill raises the income limit for the qualified Medicare beneficiary program from 100% to 138% of the federal poverty line and establishes a new income limit for the qualified individual program, ranging from 138% to 186% of the federal poverty line, while imposing no asset limit for eligibility. The secretary of health and human services is tasked with utilizing data from the Social Security Administration to initiate applications for individuals seeking eligibility and maintaining a simplified application form for those not covered by the LIS data transmission. The bill also includes provisions for federal approval and the establishment of necessary rules and regulations for implementation, ensuring compliance with the Social Security Act. The act will take effect upon passage.