The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a rule simplifying access to and reducing costs for health care coverage for eligible individuals.

The proposal is expected to save significant time for beneficiaries. The Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) could reduce Medicare-related costs for about 10 million older adults and people with physical disabilities estimated to be eligible for MSP. The rule was finalized September 18.

This rule reduces administrative barriers previously causing beneficiaries to lose or fail to renew MSP participation. CMS estimates the new rule will save applicants and enrollees upwards of 19 million hours of paperwork each year. LeadingAge notes that this could be a significant time savings for service coordinators who help residents in senior housing properties. CMS notes complexities currently plaguing state Medicaid programs including the unwinding of continuous coverage and leaves states ample time to update processes with most provisions awaiting a compliance date on April 1, 2026.

The full rule can be reviewed here.