A Medicare Savings Program uses Medicaid funds to help an eligible Medicare beneficiary pay specified Medicare costs. The state or territory Medicaid agency processes the application.
The four programs
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): can help with Part A and Part B premiums and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments covered by the program.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): helps with the Part B premium.
- Qualifying Individual (QI): helps with the Part B premium; a person must apply each year, and funding is limited.
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI): helps eligible working people with disabilities pay the Part A premium.
Why limits are not universal
Federal income and resource limits normally change each year. Some states use more generous rules or do not count certain resources. Use the current official state application rather than assuming that a national example decides eligibility.
Medicare Savings Program is not always full Medicaid
Some people receive only help with Medicare costs, while others also qualify for full Medicaid benefits. The eligibility notice should identify the category and benefits awarded.
How to apply
Contact the official Medicaid agency for the state or territory where you live. The agency may request information about Medicare coverage, income, resources, and household circumstances. There is no single federal application that replaces the state process.
Related terms
- Premium: the recurring amount charged for coverage.
- Deductible: an amount paid before coverage begins paying under applicable rules.
- Coinsurance and copayment: forms of cost sharing for covered care.