Summary

GAO reviewed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) new rule on the continuation of medicare entitlement when disability benefit entitlement ends because of substantial gainful activity. GAO found that (1) the final rule would conform the existing Medicare eligibility regulations to reflect a change made by the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, which provides working disabled individuals with continued Medicare entitlement for an additional 54 months beyond the previous limit of 24 months, for a total of 78 months of Medicare coverage following the 15th month of the reentitlement period; and (2) CMS complied with applicable requirements in promulgating the rule.