Government benefits

Medicare Savings Programs

Government benefit
Country
United States
Official name
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI)
Run by
Your state Medicaid agency
Type
Health care

State programs that can pay your Medicare Part B premium, and sometimes other Medicare costs, if your income and resources are limited.

Who it is for

People with Medicare who have limited income and resources.

Eligibility

You must have Medicare and limited income and resources.
When you apply, your state decides which program you qualify for. The national limits are published each year on medicaid.gov, and some states use more generous rules.
If you qualify, you also automatically qualify for Extra Help with prescription drug costs.

What you get

Help paying Medicare costs. Depending on the program, this can cover the Part B premium, and for QMB also Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance and copays.

How to apply

Contact your state Medicaid agency. You can also apply through Social Security when you apply for Extra Help, and SSA will pass your details to your state unless you say not to.

Official sources

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