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Medicare

Medicare Savings Programs

Understanding programs that may help with certain Medicare costs.

What Are Medicare Savings Programs?

Medicare Savings Programs are programs administered through the states that may help eligible Medicare beneficiaries with certain Medicare costs.

Depending on the program and your eligibility, assistance may include:

  • Medicare Part A premiums
  • Medicare Part B premiums
  • Deductibles
  • Coinsurance
  • Copayments

Who May Qualify?

Eligibility generally depends on factors such as income, resources, Medicare status, and other state-specific requirements.

Because eligibility rules and limits can change, you should check with your state to determine whether you may qualify.

You don't have to assume you won't qualify. If you think you may be eligible, learning about the program and applying can help you understand what assistance may be available.

The Four Programs

There are four Medicare Savings Programs: QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI. Each program has different eligibility requirements and provides different types of assistance.

  • QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary: May help pay Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and certain Medicare cost-sharing expenses for people who qualify.
  • SLMB — Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary: May help pay Medicare Part B premiums for people who meet the program requirements.
  • QI — Qualifying Individual: May help pay Medicare Part B premiums for eligible individuals. QI benefits require an application each year and are subject to program funding and state administration.
  • QDWI — Qualified Disabled and Working Individual: May help pay Medicare Part A premiums for certain people with disabilities who meet the program's requirements.

What to Know

Eligibility is determined by the applicable state program. Vidalegacy Insurance Group does not determine eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs.

If you qualify for certain Medicare Savings Programs, you may also automatically qualify for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.

Have Medicare Questions?

Understanding Medicare is more than knowing your coverage options. It also means understanding what assistance may be available to you.

We provide general educational information to help you understand Medicare-related programs and the questions to ask about your situation.

Educational Information

Educational information only. Medicare Savings Program eligibility, benefits, income and resource limits, and application requirements vary by state and individual circumstances. Vidalegacy Insurance Group does not determine eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs.

Have Medicare Questions?

Medicare can come with unfamiliar terms, important timelines, and decisions to consider. We provide general educational information to help you better understand Medicare and the questions to consider about your situation.