Medicare Savings Programs
Eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs
If affording Medicare is difficult for you, your state may have resources to help. Eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs depends on your income and other financial resources such as checking or savings accounts, and stocks or bonds.
There are four levels of savings programs, shown below in order from the lowest income limit to the highest. Each level has its own criteria for income and resources:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program. This program has the lowest income limit and offers the most coverage.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
- Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program. This program has the highest income limit.
If your income is higher than the limit for these programs, you might still qualify. That’s because income from working doesn’t necessarily apply to these limits. (The limits are higher for married couples.)
Keep in mind that the limits can change each year. You can check the amounts at Medicare.gov to see if you’re eligible.
Extra Help for Prescription Drugs
The Extra Help program helps cover prescription drug costs and waives late enrollment penalties for Part D.
You’re eligible for Extra Help if:
- You qualify for the QMB, SLMB, or QI Medicare Savings Programs noted above.
- You have a Medicare plan that includes Part D prescription drug coverage.
While Medicare Savings Programs come from your state, Extra Help is a federal government program. Visit the Social Security website or the office near you to apply.
Many people are not aware they meet the requirements for these programs. Plus, it's possible to qualify for the Extra Help prescription drug program even if you're not eligible for any of the Medicare Savings Programs. That’s why checking with Social Security to see if you qualify is worth your time.
Apply for a Medicare Savings Program
If you answer “yes” to all three of these Medicare.gov questions, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program.
- Do you have Original Medicare Part A (or are you eligible for it)?
- Is your yearly income at or below the program limits?
- Do you have financial resources at or below the program limits?
The limits for Medicare Savings Programs typically increase every year. Even if your income and resources are a bit higher than the limit, you should still fill out an application to see if you qualify.
Learn more about Medicare. Or see if an Amerigroup Medicare Special Needs Plan is right for you.
Make the Most out of Medicare with an Amerivantage Plan
Amerivantage Medicare Advantage plans from Amerigroup offer benefits that Original Medicare Part A (hospital care) and Part B (doctor visits) do not cover, such as prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing aids. Medicare Advantage plans also have other benefits, such as no-cost fitness program memberships, personal home helpers, transportation to doctor visits, and more.
If you only need prescription drug coverage, a stand-alone Part D plan might be right for you. Find and compare Amerigroup’s Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans today.
Attend a Free Medicare Event
Sign up for a free, no-pressure Medicare event to learn how Amerigroup Medicare plans help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t.
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