What is a Medicare Savings Program?

A Medicare Savings Program (MSPs) is intended to help qualifying individuals better afford Medicare plans. There are four different programs that are all run at the state level, with each having different income and resource eligibility limits.

The Four Medicare Savings Programs

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program

• Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program

• Qualifying Individual (QI) Program

• Qualifying Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program
  
  

Sound confusing? At SelectQuote, we can help you better understand the different parts of Medicare plans.

1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program helps individuals meet the costs of their healthcare. The government makes monthly premium payments toward a qualifying recipients’ Medicare Part A (when applicable) and Medicare Part B plans, and covers deductibles, coinsurance payments, and some prescription drug costs.

QMB Program Qualifications and Income Limits

To qualify for QMB benefits, you must meet certain income requirements¹.

• Individual monthly income limit: $1,275

• Married couple monthly income limit: $1,724

• Individual resource limit: $9,430

• Married couple resource limit: $14,130
  
  

QMB Program Benefits

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program is one of the four savings programs established by the Medicare program to help low-income beneficiaries pay their premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance payments. An Original Medicare beneficiary who qualifies for the QMB program will also automatically qualify for the Medicare Part D Extra Help program, which provides financial support with prescription drug costs.

For those who qualify for the QMB program, the program could help pay for:

• Medicare Part A premiums

• Medicare Part B premiums

• Original Medicare deductibles

• Coinsurance for Original Medicare services

• Some Medicare Part D prescription drug plan premiums

• A portion of Original Medicare drug costs
  
  

How to Apply for QMB Program

To apply for the QMB Program, you will need to contact your state’s Medicaid office.

2. Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program

The Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program helps cover the cost of Medicare Part B premiums for individuals who have Medicare Part A, a low monthly income, and limited resources.

SLMB Program Qualifications and Income Limits

To qualify for SLMB benefits, you must meet certain income requirements¹.

• Individual monthly income limit: $1,526

• Married couple monthly income limit: $2,064

• Individual resource limit: $9,430

• Married couple resource limit: $14,130
  
  

SLMB Program Benefits

The Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program is another savings program established to help low-income individuals pay for Medicare Part B premiums. Qualifying parties of the SLMB Program will also automatically qualify for the Medicare Part D Extra Help program that provides support toward prescription drug costs.

How to Apply for SLMB Program

To apply for the SLMB Program, you will need to get in touch with your state’s Medicaid office.

3. Qualifying Individual (QI) Program

The Qualifying Individual (QI) Program also helps pay for Medicare Part B premiums. This program requires re-application each year, and benefits are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those who received benefits through the program the year before.

QI Program Qualifications and Income Limits

To qualify for QI Program benefits, you must meet certain income requirements¹.

• Individual monthly income limit: $1,715

• Married couple monthly income limit: $2,320

• Individual resource limit: $9,430

• Married couple resource limit: $14,130
  
  

QI Program Benefits

Not every savings program is a one-size-fits-all, so if you’ve found you don’t qualify for a QMB or SLMB, you may still be eligible for the Qualifying Individual (QI) Program to potentially receive extra help paying for Medicare Part B premiums. Additionally, qualifying for this program automatically qualifies you for the Extra Help prescription drug program.

Keep in mind that you have to reapply each year for the QI Program, and although previous beneficiaries are considered first, the benefits are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Apply for QI Program

Contact your state’s Medicaid office to apply for the QI Program.

4. Qualifying Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program

The Qualifying Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program is state-administered Medicaid program that helps pay for Medicare Part A premiums. Disabled individuals under 65 who are currently working could potentially qualify for this program.

QDWI Program Qualifications and Income Limits

You may qualify for the QDWI Program if any of the following apply:

• You’re a working, disabled person under 65

• You lost your premium-free Part A when you went back to work

• You aren’t getting medical assistance from your state

• You meet the income and resource limits required by your state
  
  

The income & resource limits are¹:

• Individual monthly income limit: $5,105

• Married couple monthly income limit: $6,899

• Individual resource limit: $4,000

• Married couple resource limit: $6,000
  
  

QDWI Program Benefits

The Qualifying Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program is different from the other three Medicare Savings Programs as it only pays for Medicare Part A premiums.

How to Apply for QDWI Program

To apply for the QDWI Program, contact your state’s Medicaid office.

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¹https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs