Can I get assistance with my Medicare costs? If you are an individual that has limited income and resources, you may be able to get assistance through your state of residence to pay for certain Medicare costs. If you meet specific criteria, you may be eligible for one of the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP). There are four kinds of Medicare Savings Programs that all differ in what they help pay for:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
- Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program helps individuals pay for Part A and/or Part B Premiums. When an individual is enrolled in the QMB Program, a provider that accepts Medicare cannot bill that individual for Medicare covered services, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. If you receive a bill for any of these charges, inform the provider or the facility’s billing department that you are enrolled in the QMB Program. You can request a refund for any bills that you have already paid while enrolled in the QMB Program. One important thing to note is that an individual may be charged a small copayment through Medicaid, if applicable.
With the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program, individuals can receive help paying for Part B Premiums only.
The Qualified Individual (QI) Program helps pay Part B Premiums only. However, applications are on a first come, first-served basis.
The Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program helps pay for Part A premiums only. This is for an individual that was receiving Social Security Disability Benefits and lost Premium-Free Part A because they returned to work.
To qualify for one of these Medicare Savings Programs, you must have monthly income and current resources below the allowable limit. The income and resource limits will vary by state, it is best to check with your state’s Medicaid office to see if you qualify.
Three important things to note:
- The names of these programs will vary by state.
- Medicare Savings Programs are not available in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- If you qualify for QMB, SLMB or the QI Program, will receive extra assistance paying for Medicare Drug Coverage.
The Medicare Savings Programs are great tools that lower income Medicare Beneficiaries can use to help keep their healthcare expenses down. If you think you qualify or have questions about these programs, contact your states Medicaid office or a licensed insurance professional.
