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 $443/month for Part A.
QMB also pays for Medicare deductibles and co-pays.
There are three different MSPs; eligibility depends upon income.
The following income limits are effective 7/1/09.
QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): (Q01)
Pays both Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and co-insurances.
QMB income limits (197% FPL):
Single person - $1778.91/month
Married couple - $2393.55/month
NO ASSET LIMIT (as of 7/1/09)
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SLMB (Special Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): (Q03)
Pays Medicare Part B premiums.
SLMB income limits: (217% FPL)
Single person - $1959.51/month
Married couple-$2636.55/month
NO ASSET LIMIT (as of 7/1/09)
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ALMB (Additional Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) - also known as Q04:
Pays Medicare Part B premiums. Note: ALMB is not an entitlement program and the funding is limited. When available funds are exhausted applications will be denied.
ALMB income limits:
Single person - $2091.67/month
Married couple - $2816.67/month
NO ASSET LIMIT (as of 7/1/09)
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
PREPARED BY: 211/rj
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: September2009
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