Section text and notes
Income-related subsidies for certain individuals
Individuals with certain low incomes
Full premium subsidy
An income-related premium subsidy equal to 100 percent of the amount described in subsection (b)(1), but not to exceed the premium amount specified in subsection (b)(2)(B).
Elimination of deductible
section 1395w–102(b)(1) of this titleA reduction in the annual deductible applicable under to $0.
Continuation of coverage above the initial coverage limit
section 1395w–102(b) of this titleFor a year preceding 2025, the continuation of coverage from the initial coverage limit (under paragraph (3) of ) for expenditures incurred through the total amount of expenditures at which benefits are available under paragraph (4) of such section, subject to the reduced cost-sharing described in subparagraph (D).
Reduction in cost-sharing below out-of-pocket threshold
Institutionalized individuals
section 1396a(q)(1)(B) of this titlesection 1315 of this titlesection 1396n of this titlesection 1396b(m) of this titlesection 1396u–2 of this titlesection 1395w–102(b)(2) of this titlesection 1395w–102(b)(4) of this titleIn the case of an individual who is a full-benefit dual eligible individual and who is an institutionalized individual or couple (as defined in ) or, effective on a date specified by the Secretary (but in no case earlier than ), who would be such an institutionalized individual or couple, if the full-benefit dual eligible individual were not receiving services under a home and community-based waiver authorized for a State under or subsection (c) or (d) of or under a State plan amendment under subsection (i) of such section or services provided through enrollment in a medicaid managed care organization with a contract under or under , the elimination of any beneficiary coinsurance described in (for all amounts through the total amount of expenditures at which benefits are available under ).
Lowest income dual eligible individuals
Other individuals
section 1395w–102(b)(2) of this titlesection 1395w–102(b)(4) of this titlesection 1395w–102(b)(4)(A)(i)(I)(aa) of this titlesection 1395w–102(b)(9)(C) of this titleSubject to paragraph (6), in the case of an individual not described in clause (i) or (ii), the substitution for the beneficiary coinsurance described in (for all amounts through the total amount of expenditures at which benefits are available under ) of a copayment amount that does not exceed the copayment amount specified under for the drug and year involved. For plan year 2023 and subsequent plan years, the copayment amount applicable under the preceding sentence to a month’s supply of a covered insulin product (as defined in ) dispensed to the individual may not exceed the applicable copayment amount for the product under the prescription drug plan or MA–PD plan in which the individual is enrolled.
Elimination of cost-sharing above annual out-of-pocket threshold
section 1395w–102(b)(4)(A) of this titlesection 1395w–102(b)(9) of this titleFor a year preceding 2024, the elimination of any cost-sharing imposed under or under in the case of a covered insulin product (as defined in subparagraph (C) of such section).
Other low-income individuals
Sliding scale premium subsidy
An income-related premium subsidy determined on a linear sliding scale ranging from 100 percent of the amount described in paragraph (1)(A) for individuals with incomes at or below 135 percent of such level to 0 percent of such amount for individuals with incomes at 150 percent of such level.
Reduction of deductible
section 1395w–102(b) of this titlesection 1395w–102(b)(1) of this titleSubject to paragraphs (8) and (9) of , a reduction in the annual deductible applicable under to $50.
Continuation of coverage above the initial coverage limit
section 1395w–102(b) of this titleThe continuation of coverage from the initial coverage limit (under paragraph (3) of ) for expenditures incurred through the total amount of expenditures at which benefits are available under paragraph (4) of such section, subject to the reduced coinsurance described in subparagraph (D).
Reduction in cost-sharing below out-of-pocket threshold
section 1395w–102(b)(2) of this titlesection 1395w–102(b)(4) of this titlesection 1395w–102(b)(2) of this titlesection 1395w–102(b)(9)(C) of this titleSubject to paragraph (6), the substitution for the beneficiary coinsurance described in (for all amounts above the deductible under subparagraph (B) through the total amount of expenditures at which benefits are available under ) of coinsurance of “15 percent” instead of coinsurance of “25 percent” in . For plan year 2023, the amount of the coinsurance applicable under the preceding sentence to a month’s supply of a covered insulin product (as defined in ) dispensed to the individual may not exceed the applicable copayment amount for the product under the prescription drug plan or MA–PD plan in which the individual is enrolled.
Reduction of cost-sharing above annual out-of-pocket threshold
section 1395w–102(b)(4)(A) of this titlesection 1395w–102(b)(4)(A)(i)(I)(aa) of this titlesection 1395w–102(b)(9)(C) of this titleSubject to paragraph (6) of this subsection and subsection (c), the substitution for the cost-sharing imposed under of a copayment or coinsurance not to exceed the copayment or coinsurance amount specified under for the drug and year involved. For plan year 2023, the amount of the copayment or coinsurance applicable under the preceding sentence to a month’s supply of a covered insulin product (as defined in ) dispensed to the individual may not exceed the applicable copayment amount for the product under the prescription drug plan or MA–PD plan in which the individual is enrolled.
Determination of eligibility
Subsidy eligible individual defined
Determinations
In general
section 1396u–5(a) of this titleThe determination of whether a part D eligible individual residing in a State is a subsidy eligible individual and whether the individual is described in paragraph (1) shall be determined under the State plan under subchapter XIX for the State under or by the Commissioner of Social Security. There are authorized to be appropriated to the Social Security Administration such sums as may be necessary for the determination of eligibility under this subparagraph.
Effective period
Determinations under this subparagraph shall be effective beginning with the month in which the individual applies for a determination that the individual is a subsidy eligible individual and shall remain in effect for a period specified by the Secretary, but not to exceed 1 year.
Redeterminations and appeals through medicaid
Redeterminations and appeals, with respect to eligibility determinations under clause (i) made under a State plan under subchapter XIX, shall be made in accordance with the frequency of, and manner in which, redeterminations and appeals of eligibility are made under such plan for purposes of medical assistance under such subchapter.
Redeterminations and appeals through Commissioner
Treatment of medicaid beneficiaries
Special rule for widows and widowers
Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this subparagraph, in the case of an individual whose spouse dies during the effective period for a determination or redetermination that has been made under this subparagraph, such effective period shall be extended through the date that is 1 year after the date on which the determination or redetermination would (but for the application of this clause) otherwise cease to be effective.
Income determinations
Resource standard applied to full low-income subsidy to be based on three times SSI resource standard
Alternative resource standard
In general
Use of simplified application form and process
Documentation and safeguards
Methodology flexibility
section 1396d(p) of this titleThe Secretary may permit a State in making eligibility determinations for premium and cost-sharing subsidies under this section to use the same asset or resource methodologies that are used with respect to eligibility for medical assistance for medicare cost-sharing described in so long as the Secretary determines that the use of such methodologies will not result in any significant differences in the number of individuals determined to be subsidy eligible individuals.
Treatment of territorial residents
section 1396u–5(e) of this titleIn the case of a part D eligible individual who is not a resident of the 50 States or the District of Columbia, the individual is not eligible to be a subsidy eligible individual under this section but may be eligible for financial assistance with prescription drug expenses under .
Life insurance policy exclusion
section 1382b of this titleIn determining the resources of an individual (and the eligible spouse of the individual, if any) under for purposes of subparagraphs (D) and (E) no part of the value of any life insurance policy shall be taken into account.
Indexing dollar amounts
Copayment for lowest income dual eligible individuals
Reduced deductible
Waiver of de minimis premiums
The Secretary shall, under procedures established by the Secretary, permit a prescription drug plan or an MA–PD plan to waive the monthly beneficiary premium for a subsidy eligible individual if the amount of such premium is de minimis. If such premium is waived under the plan, the Secretary shall not reassign subsidy eligible individuals enrolled in the plan to other plans based on the fact that the monthly beneficiary premium under the plan was greater than the low-income benchmark premium amount.
No application of cost-sharing or deductible for adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
Premium subsidy amount
In general
The premium subsidy amount described in this subsection for a subsidy eligible individual residing in a PDP region and enrolled in a prescription drug plan or MA–PD plan is the low-income benchmark premium amount (as defined in paragraph (2)) for the PDP region in which the individual resides or, if greater, the amount specified in paragraph (3).
Low-income benchmark premium amount defined
In general
Premium amounts described
Access to 0 premium plan
In no case shall the premium subsidy amount under this subsection for a PDP region be less than the lowest monthly beneficiary premium for a prescription drug plan that offers basic prescription drug coverage in the region.
Administration of subsidy program
In general
Use of capitated form of payment
The reimbursement under this section with respect to cost-sharing subsidies may be computed on a capitated basis, taking into account the actuarial value of the subsidies and with appropriate adjustments to reflect differences in the risks actually involved.
Facilitation of reassignments
Limited income newly eligible transition program
In general
Beginning not later than , the Secretary shall carry out a program to provide transitional coverage for covered part D drugs for LI NET eligible individuals in accordance with this subsection.
LI NET eligible individual defined
Transitional coverage
Program administration
Point of contact
The Secretary shall, as determined appropriate by the Secretary, administer the program under this subsection through a contract with a single program administrator.
Benefit design
Relationship to other provisions of this subchapter; waiver authority
In general
Waiver authority
The Secretary may waive such other requirements of subchapter XI and this subchapter as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the program established under this subsection.
Contracting authority
The authority vested in the Secretary by this subsection may be performed without regard to such provisions of law or regulations relating to the making, performance, amendment, or modification of contracts of the United States as the Secretary may determine to be inconsistent with the furtherance of the purpose of this subchapter.
Relation to medicaid program
section 1396u–5 of this titleFor special provisions under the medicaid program relating to medicare prescription drug benefits, see .
Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531 Pub. L. 108–173, title I, § 101(a)(2)117 Stat. 2107 Pub. L. 110–275, title I122 Stat. 2506 Pub. L. 111–148, title III124 Stat. 468–470 Pub. L. 111–152, title I, § 1102(c)(4)124 Stat. 1045 Pub. L. 116–260, div. CC, title I, § 118134 Stat. 2950 Pub. L. 117–169, title I136 Stat. 1891 Pub. L. 119–75, div. J, title II, § 6219140 Stat. 655 (, title XVIII, § 1860D–14, as added , , ; amended , §§ 114(a)(2), 116(a), 117(a), , , 2507; , §§ 3302(a), 3303(a), 3304(a), 3305, 3309, , , 475; , , ; , , ; , §§ 11201(e)(3), 11401(b), 11404, 11406(b), , , 1897, 1899, 1903; , , .)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
Pub. L. 119–75, § 6219(1)section 1396r–8(k)(7)(A)(i) of this title2026—Subsec. (a)(1)(D)(ii). , substituted “that does not exceed—”, subcls. (I) and (II), and concluding provisions for “that does not exceed $1 for a generic drug or a preferred drug that is a multiple source drug (as defined in ) and $3 for any other drug, or, if less, the copayment amount applicable to an individual under clause (iii).”
Pub. L. 119–75, § 6219(2)Subsec. (a)(4)(A)(ii). , inserted “(before 2028)” after “a subsequent year”.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11404(1)2022—Subsec. (a). , substituted “certain individuals” for “individuals with income up to 150 percent of poverty line” in heading.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11404(2)Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “Individuals with certain low incomes” for “Individuals with income below 135 percent of poverty line” in heading and, in introductory provisions, inserted “(or, with respect to a plan year beginning on or after , 150 percent)” after “135 percent” and “(or, with respect to a plan year beginning on or after , paragraph (3)(E))” after “the resources requirement described in paragraph (3)(D)”.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11201(e)(3)(A)(i)Subsec. (a)(1)(C). , substituted “For a year preceding 2025, the continuation” for “The continuation”.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11401(b)(1)Subsec. (a)(1)(D)(ii). , substituted “Subject to paragraph (6), in the case” for “In the case”.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11406(b)(1)(A)section 1395w–102(b)(9)(C) of this titleSubsec. (a)(1)(D)(iii). , inserted at end “For plan year 2023 and subsequent plan years, the copayment amount applicable under the preceding sentence to a month’s supply of a covered insulin product (as defined in ) dispensed to the individual may not exceed the applicable copayment amount for the product under the prescription drug plan or MA–PD plan in which the individual is enrolled.”
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11401(b)(1), substituted “Subject to paragraph (6), in the case” for “In the case”.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11201(e)(3)(A)(ii), substituted “1395w–102(b)(4)(A)(i)(I)(aa)” for “1395w–102(b)(4)(A)(i)(I)”.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11406(b)(1)(B)section 1395w–102(b)(9) of this titleSubsec. (a)(1)(E). , inserted before period at end “or under in the case of a covered insulin product (as defined in subparagraph (C) of such section)”.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11201(e)(3)(A)(iii), substituted “For a year preceding 2024, the elimination” for “The elimination”.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11404(3)Subsec. (a)(2). , substituted “Other low-income individuals” for “Other individuals with income below 150 percent of poverty line” in heading and “With respect to a plan year beginning before , in the case of a subsidy” for “In the case of a subsidy” in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11406(b)(2)(A)Subsec. (a)(2)(B). , substituted “paragraphs (8) and (9) of section 1395w–102(b)” for “section 1395w–102(b)(8)”.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11401(b)(2)(A)section 1395w–102(b)(8) of this title, substituted “Subject to , a reduction” for “A reduction”.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11406(b)(2)(B)section 1395w–102(b)(9)(C) of this titleSubsec. (a)(2)(D). , inserted at end “For plan year 2023, the amount of the coinsurance applicable under the preceding sentence to a month’s supply of a covered insulin product (as defined in ) dispensed to the individual may not exceed the applicable copayment amount for the product under the prescription drug plan or MA–PD plan in which the individual is enrolled.”
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11401(b)(2)(B), substituted “Subject to paragraph (6), the substitution” for “The substitution”.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11406(b)(2)(C)section 1395w–102(b)(9)(C) of this titleSubsec. (a)(2)(E). , inserted at end “For plan year 2023, the amount of the copayment or coinsurance applicable under the preceding sentence to a month’s supply of a covered insulin product (as defined in ) dispensed to the individual may not exceed the applicable copayment amount for the product under the prescription drug plan or MA–PD plan in which the individual is enrolled.”
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11401(b)(2)(C), substituted “paragraph (6) of this subsection and subsection (c)” for “subsection (c)”.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11201(e)(3)(B), substituted “1395w–102(b)(4)(A)(i)(I)(aa)” for “1395w–102(b)(4)(A)(i)(I)”.
Pub. L. 117–169, § 11401(b)(3)Subsec. (a)(6). , added par. (6).
Pub. L. 116–2602020—Subsecs. (e), (f). added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f).
Pub. L. 111–148, § 3309section 1315 of this titlesection 1396n of this titlesection 1396b(m) of this titlesection 1396u–2 of this title2010—Subsec. (a)(1)(D)(i). , inserted “or, effective on a date specified by the Secretary (but in no case earlier than ), who would be such an institutionalized individual or couple, if the full-benefit dual eligible individual were not receiving services under a home and community-based waiver authorized for a State under or subsection (c) or (d) of or under a State plan amendment under subsection (i) of such section or services provided through enrollment in a medicaid managed care organization with a contract under or under ” after “1396a(q)(1)(B) of this title)”.
Pub. L. 111–148, § 3304(a)Subsec. (a)(3)(B)(vi). , added cl. (vi).
Pub. L. 111–148, § 3303(a)Subsec. (a)(5). , added par. (5).
Pub. L. 111–152section 1395w–24(b)(1)(C)(i) of this titleosection 1395w–24(b)(1)(C) of this titlesection 1395w–23(n) of this titleSubsec. (b)(2)(B)(iii). substituted “and determined before the application of the monthly rebate computed under for that plan and year involved and, in the case of a qualifying plan, before the application of the increase under section 1395w–23() of this title for that plan and year involved” for “, determined without regard to any reduction in such premium as a result of any beneficiary rebate under or bonus payment under ”.
Pub. L. 111–148, § 3302(a)section 1395w–23(n) of this title, inserted “, determined without regard to any reduction in such premium as a result of any beneficiary rebate under section 1854(b)(1)(C) or bonus payment under ” before period at end.
Pub. L. 111–148, § 3305Subsecs. (d), (e). , added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).
Pub. L. 110–275, § 114(a)(2)2008—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). , substituted “equal to 100 percent of the amount described in subsection (b)(1), but not to exceed the premium amount specified in subsection (b)(2)(B).” for “equal to—
“(i) 100 percent of the amount described in subsection (b)(1) of this section, but not to exceed the premium amount specified in subsection (b)(2)(B) of this section; plus
section 1395w–113(b) of this title“(ii) 80 percent of any late enrollment penalties imposed under for the first 60 months in which such penalties are imposed for that individual, and 100 percent of any such penalties for any subsequent month.”
Pub. L. 110–275, § 117(a)Subsec. (a)(3)(B)(iv)(III). , added subcl. (III).
Pub. L. 110–275, § 116(a)(1)section 1396a(r)(2) of this titleSubsec. (a)(3)(C)(i). , inserted “and except that support and maintenance furnished in kind shall not be counted as income” after “”.
Pub. L. 110–275, § 116(a)(2)Subsec. (a)(3)(D), (E)(i). , (3), inserted “subject to the life insurance policy exclusion provided under subparagraph (G)” after “program” in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 110–275, § 116(a)(4)Subsec. (a)(3)(G). , added subpar. (G).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2010 Amendment
Pub. L. 111–148, title III, § 3302(b)124 Stat. 468
section 3303(a) of Pub. L. 111–148section 3303(c) of Pub. L. 111–148section 1395w–101 of this titleAmendment by applicable to premiums for months, and enrollments for plan years, beginning on or after , see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 111–148, title III, § 3304(b)124 Stat. 470
Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
section 114(a)(2) of Pub. L. 110–275section 114(b) of Pub. L. 110–275section 1395w–113 of this titleAmendment by applicable to subsidies for months beginning with Jan. 2009, see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 110–275, title I, § 116(b)122 Stat. 2507
Pub. L. 110–275, title I, § 117(b)122 Stat. 2507
Construction of 2022 Amendment
section 11401(b) of Pub. L. 117–169section 11401(d) of Pub. L. 117–169section 1395w–102 of this titleNothing in amendment by to be construed as limiting coverage under this part for vaccines that are not recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, see , set out as a note under .
GAO Study Regarding Impact of Assets Test for Subsidy Eligible Individuals
Pub. L. 108–173, title I, § 107(e)117 Stat. 2171