Summary

GAO reviewed the Department of Health and Human Service, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) new rule on modification to the weighting methodology used to calculate the low-income benchmark amount for the medicare program. GAO found that (1) the final rule changes the weighing methodology used to calculate the low-income benchmark premium amount for 2009 thereafter, making the low income bechmark premium amount reflect the distribution of beneficiaries eligible for the low-income subsidy in each plan; and (2) with the exception of the 60 day delay in the effective date, CMS complied with applicable requirements in promulgating the rule.