MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAMS:
QMB / SLMB / ALMB
All Medicare Savings Programs (also known as MSPs) save the Medicare beneficiary money by paying for the Part B premium. MSPs also pay for Part A premiums. For most people, Part A is free, but if the beneficiary or the beneficary's spouse has not worked enough, he or she must pay a Part A premium. Beneficiaries who have not worked enough could be charged up to $423/month for Part A.
QMB also pays for Medicare deductibles and co-pays.
There are three different MSPs; eligibility depends upon income and assets.
QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary)
- QMB pays for Medicare Part B premiums, deductibles and co-pays.
- Income and asset limits before income disregards for 4/1/08-3/31/09:
- Single person - $1108/month; asset limit $4000
- Married couple - $1649/month; asset limit $6000
SLMB (Special Low Income Medicare Beneficiary)
- SLMB pays for Medicare Part B premiums.
- Income and asset limits before income disregards for 4/1/08-3/31/09:
- Single person - $1281.40/month; asset limit $4000
- Married couple-$1922.40/month; asset limit $6000
ALMB (also known as “QI”) (Additional Low Income Medicare Beneficiary)
- ALMB is not always available; occasionally DSS shuts it down for new applicants.)
- Income and asset limits before income disregards for 4/1/08-3/31/09:
- Single person - $1411.45/month
- Married couple - $2057.45/month
- NO ASSET LIMIT
TO READ MORE ABOUT MSPs, go to the Center for Medicare Advocacy’s web page: http://www.medicareadvocacy.org/FAQ_MedicareSavingsProgs.htm
TO APPLY for Medicare Savings Programs at the CT Dept. of Social Services office that serves your town. You can apply by mail, or you can make an appointment and apply in person.
TO FIND APPLICATION SITES IN CONNECTICUT’S COMMUNITY RESOURSES DATABASE:
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SOURCE: Conn. Dept. of Social Services; Center for Medicare Advocacy
PREPARED BY: 211/rj
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: April2008
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