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What is a Medicare Savings Program?

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

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
Specialized 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 and see what might be the right option for your situation.

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, co-insurance payments, and some prescription drug costs.

QMB Program Qualifications and Income Limits

To qualify for QMB benefits, you must meet certain income requirements ¹.

Individual monthly income limit: $1,094
Married couple monthly income limit: $1,472
Individual resource limit: $7,970
Married couple resource limit: $11,960

Individual monthly income limit: $1,094
Married couple monthly income limit: $1,472
Individual resource limit: $7,970
Married couple resource limit: $11,960

QMB Program Benefits

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program is one of the four savings programs established by Medicare to help low-income beneficiaries pay their premiums, deductibles and co-insurance payments. A Medicare beneficiary who qualifies for the QMB program will also automatically qualify for the Medicare Part D Extra Help program that 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
Medicare deductibles
Medicare co-insurance for Medicare services
Some Medicare Part D prescription drug plan premiums
A portion of Medicare drug costs

Medicare Part A premiums
Medicare Part B premiums
Medicare deductibles
Medicare co-insurance for Medicare services
Some Medicare Part D prescription drug plan premiums
A portion of 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 requirements ¹.

Individual monthly income limit: $1,308
Married couple monthly income limit: $1,762
Individual resource limit: $7,970
Married couple resource limit: $11,960

Individual monthly income limit: $1,308
Married couple monthly income limit: $1,762
Individual resource limit: $7,970
Married couple resource limit: $11,960

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-serve 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 requirements ¹.

Individual monthly income limit: $1,469
Married couple monthly income limit: $1,980
Individual resource limit: $7,970
Married couple resource limit: $11,960

Individual monthly income limit: $1,469
Married couple monthly income limit: $1,980
Individual resource limit: $7,970
Married couple resource limit: $11,960

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, it might be worth applying 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-serve 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 & resource limits required by your state

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 & resource limits required by your state

The income & resource limits are¹:

Individual monthly income limit: $4,379
Married couple monthly income limit: $5,892
Individual resource limit: $4,000
Married couple resource limit: $6,000

Individual monthly income limit: $4,379
Married couple monthly income limit: $5,892
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.

Let SelectQuote Help You Save on Medicare Costs

At SelectQuote, we can make sure you have all of your available options when it comes to Medicare and receiving the benefits that you deserve. In just minutes, we can compare all the Medicare options from the companies we represent available in your area. There’s no obligation to enroll.

¹Income & resource limits from 2019. Qualifications and limits provided by https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/medicare-savings-programs and are intended to be updated annually.

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*Best's Credit Ratings™ are under continuous review and subject to change and/or affirmation. For the latest Best’s Credit Ratings™ and Best’s Credit Reports (which include Best’s Credit Ratings™), visit the A.M. Best website at ambest.com. See Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings™ for explanation of use and charges.” “Best's Credit Ratings™ reproduced herein appear under license from A.M. Best and do not constitute, either expressly or impliedly, an endorsement of SelectQuote or its recommendations, formulas, criteria or comparisons to any other ratings, rating scales or rating organizations which are published or referenced herein. A.M. Best is not responsible for transcription errors made in presenting Best's Credit Ratings™. Best’s Credit Ratings™ are proprietary and may not be reproduced or distributed without the express written permission of A.M. Best Company.” A Best’s Financial Strength Rating opinion addresses the relative ability of an insurer to meet its ongoing insurance obligations. It is not a warranty of a company’s financial strength and ability to meet its obligations to policyholders. View our Important Notice: Best's Credit Ratings for a disclaimer notice and complete details at http://www.ambest.com/home/ratings.aspx

Best's Credit Ratings™ are under continuous review and subject to change and/or affirmation. For the latest Best’s Credit Ratings™ and Best’s Credit Reports (which include Best’s Credit Ratings™), visit the A.M. Best website at ambest.com. See Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings™ for explanation of use and charges.” “Best's Credit Ratings™ reproduced herein appear under license from A.M. Best and do not constitute, either expressly or impliedly, an endorsement of SelectQuote or its recommendations, formulas, criteria or comparisons to any other ratings, rating scales or rating organizations which are published or referenced herein. A.M. Best is not responsible for transcription errors made in presenting Best's Credit Ratings™. Best’s Credit Ratings™ are proprietary and may not be reproduced or distributed without the express written permission of A.M. Best Company.” A Best’s Financial Strength Rating opinion addresses the relative ability of an insurer to meet its ongoing insurance obligations. It is not a warranty of a company’s financial strength and ability to meet its obligations to policyholders. View our Important Notice: Best's Credit Ratings for a disclaimer notice and complete details at http://www.ambest.com/home/ratings.aspx

* Income & resource limits from 2019. Qualifications and limits provided by https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/medicare-savings-programs and are intended to be updated annually.

* https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/find-your-level-of-extra-help-part-d

* If you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 40 calendar quarters (10 years)

** Source: Henry J Kaiser Family Foundation

¹ https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-policy/cms-use-glide-path-when-removing-covid-19-waivers

² https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-issues-second-round-sweeping-changes-support-us-healthcare-system-during-covid

¹ https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/yearly-deductible-for-drug-plans

² https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/costs-in-the-coverage-gap

³ https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/catastrophic-coverage. The $7,400 includes what you paid in Initial Coverage (deductible & copayments), what you paid in the Coverage Gap, and any applicable pharmaceutical discounts.

¹ If you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 40 calendar quarters (10 years)

¹ https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/medicare-costs-at-a-glance

² https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/whats-medicare-supplement-insurance-medigap/medigap-costs/costs-of-medigap-policies

³ https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/when-can-i-buy-medigap

Devoted Health is an HMO and PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our D-SNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. Devoted Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-338-6833 (TTY 711).

This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policies and riders for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions. For availability and costs, please contact your local Aflac agent/producer. The rates quoted are the current rates and are subject to change.

Accident: In Idaho, Policies T37100ID, T37200ID, & T37300ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T37000OK. Not available in Virginia. Cancer/Specified-Disease: In Idaho, Policy T70000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T70000OK. In Virginia, Policies T70000VA & T70000GVA. Critical Illness: In Oklahoma, Policy T71000OK. Not available in Idaho or Virginia.

Aflac’s family of insurers include Aflac, Aflac New York, Continental American Insurance Company, and Tier One Insurance Company.

Aflac coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company.

Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999.

Z2200757

EXP 8/23

Aflac overage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company.

Aflac family of insurers include Aflac, Aflac New York, Continental American Insurance Company, and Tier One Insurance Company.

Accident: In Arkansas, Policy T37000ARR. In Idaho, Policies T37100ID, T37200ID, & T37300ID. In Oregon, Policy T37000OR. In Oklahoma, Policy T37000OK. In Pennsylvania, Policies T37000PA, T37300PA, & T37500PA. In Texas, Policy T37000TX. Cancer: In Arkansas, Policy T70000ARR. In Idaho, Policy T70000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T70000OK. In Oregon, Policy T70000OR. In Pennsylvania, Policy T70000PA. In Texas, Policy T70000TX. Critical Illness: In Arkansas, Policy T71100ARR. In Oklahoma, Policy T71000OK. In Oregon, Policy T71000OR. In Pennsylvania, Policies T71100PA - T71400PA. In Texas, Policy T71000TXR.

Aflac | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

MULTI-PLAN_SQSRW2023_M