Resource Tests and Eligibility for Federal Assistance Programs: Effects of Current Rules and Options for Change

Resource tests disqualify many individuals and families whose income would otherwise make them eligible for federal assistance through various federal programs, including Supplemental Security Income program, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP), and the Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS). This report shows how increases in resource limits or changes in the way resources are counted could have a substantial effect on the number of people potentially qualifying for some major types of federal assistance.  Reforming resource tests would also simplify administration and increase participation among currently eligible individuals. … Back to Article