Medicare Savings Programs

Can I get help paying for my Medicare Part B premiums?

If you have a limited income and assets, you may qualify for help paying for your Medicare Part B premiums (which are $96.40 per month in 2008) and other Medicare costs.  Medicare and your state work together to provide you with this help, which is called the “Medicare Savings Programs.”

The Medicare Savings Programs include four different programs that help people with Medicare pay for their Part B premiums and other costs.

These programs are listed below, followed by what it pays for, and the income and resource level limits for individuals and couples to qualify for these programs.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

What it covers: Medicare premiums (Parts B and A, if applicable), deductibles, co-payments, and/or co-insurance
You may qualify if your monthly income is less than: $870.83 for individuals and $1160.83 for couples
You can own up to this amount of resources and still qualify: $4000.00 for individuals and $6000.00 for couples

Specified Low-Income Beneficiary (SLMB)

What it covers: Medicare Part B premiums
You may qualify if your monthly income is less than: $1041 for individuals and $1389 for couples
You can own up to this amount of resources and still qualify: $4000.00 for individuals and $6000.00 for couples

Qualified Individual (QI)*

What it covers: Medicare Part B premiums
You may qualify if your monthly income is less than: $1168.86 for individuals and $1560.13 for couples
You can own up to this amount of resources and still qualify: $4000.00 for individuals and $6000.00 for couples
* Each state's QI program only admits a limited number of people. So apply early to be sure you get in.

Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI)

What it covers: Medicare Part A premiums (for people with Medicare who are under age 65, disabled, and no longer qualify for free Medicare Part A only because they returned to work)
You may qualify if your monthly income is less than: $1721.67 for individuals and $2301.67 for couples
You can own up to this amount of resources and still qualify: $4000.00 for individuals and $6000.00 for couples

The list above offers general guidelines for the Medicare Savings Programs. However, some states have higher income or asset limits for these programs.

How do I find out more about these programs?

The "BenefitsCheckUp" questionnaire can help you find out if you qualify for one of the Medicare Savings Programs.

Or you can check with your state's Medicaid or Medical Assistance office for more information about the rules in your state.

Information on this web site was compiled from approved materials of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.