New Mexico eases requirements for seniors seeking Medicare payment assistance

The New Mexico Human Services Department has eliminated a resource requirement that made it difficult for low-income seniors to receive financial assistance for Medicare, according to a July 11 Los Alamos Daily Post report.

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The requirement meant low-income residents could not have assets valued at more than $9,360 for an individual or $14,800 for a couple if they requested financial assistance for coverage, the article said. 

“We know Medicare out-of-pocket costs can be unaffordable for some low-income seniors, making it harder for them to access needed health care services,” HSD Deputy Secretary Kari Armijo said. “This change will make it easier for people who may have a home or modest savings to get help paying those costs, so they don’t have to delay or forgo the care they need.”

Ms. Armijo went on to say that few low-income seniors have resources exceeding the previous requirement, and that verifying this information for every Medicare Savings Program applicant was becoming costly.

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