Chuck Grassley: “The asset test in the underlying bill is the same asset test currently used for determining eligibilities for the…”

“The asset test in the underlying bill is the same asset test currently used for determining eligibilities for the qualified Medicare beneficiaries, specified low-income Medicare beneficiaries, and qualified individuals. Those are three separate categories of low-income people that I just described. S. 1 provides a generous low-income subsidy for those who are below 160 percent of the Federal poverty level. Currently, in order for some individuals under 160 percent of poverty to receive limited Medicaid protections, there must be both an income test and an asset test. In the underlying bill, we simply follow the same rules in order for low-income beneficiaries to see assistance with their prescription drug coverage. By including the Medicaid asset test for Medicare prescription drug subsidies, we are providing beneficiaries with seamless health coverage. We are not confusing beneficiaries, and we are not adding additional administrative burdens to the States.”