Medicare Savings Programs are administered by states. Medicare explains the program categories, but the state Medicaid or medical-assistance agency receives the application and makes the eligibility decision.
1. Find the correct state or territory agency
Use the official Medicaid directory to identify the agency for the state, District of Columbia, or U.S. territory where you live. Program names, application channels, forms, and eligibility methods can differ. Confirm that the agency handles Medicare Savings Program applications before sending documents.
2. Review the four program categories
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): may pay Part A and Part B premiums and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments covered by the program.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): pays the Part B premium for eligible people.
- Qualifying Individual (QI): pays the Part B premium. A person must apply again each year, and states approve applications on a first-come, first-served basis with priority for people who received QI the prior year.
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI): may pay the Part A premium for certain working people with disabilities.
3. Check the current rules for your jurisdiction
Federal reference limits normally change each year. A state may use higher income limits or may not count certain income or resources. Do not decide that you are ineligible from a national chart alone; use the current official state instructions.
4. Prepare the information the state requests
The application may ask for your Medicare coverage, identity and residence, household or marital circumstances, income, and resources if the state counts them. It may also request verification such as benefit letters, pay records, bank records, or insurance information. Submit only through the official state channel and do not send original documents unless the agency specifically requires them.
5. Submit the state application
Follow the available online, mail, phone, or in-person method listed by the agency. There is no single federal filing address or universal form for every jurisdiction. Keep a copy of the application, attachments, confirmation number, and the date submitted.
6. Respond to follow-up requests
The agency may ask for more information before deciding the application. Read every notice and respond by the date shown. Processing times and verification procedures are set by the jurisdiction, so use the state contact information for status questions.
7. Review the eligibility notice
The notice should identify the program awarded or explain a denial and any review or hearing rights. Check which Medicare costs the approved category pays. Do not assume that limited help with Medicare costs means you also have full Medicaid coverage.
Official sources
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs and current federal reference limits
- Medicaid.gov — official state and territory contacts
- Medicaid.gov — Medicare and Medicaid enrollees