Medicare Savings Programs

Medicare Savings Programs are federal and state funded assistance programs that help pay for some Medicare expenses. For those that do not qualify for Medicaid (MO HealthNet) benefits, there may still be help for "payment of Medicare premiums." These programs require that an individual have:

  • - Income below 135% of the federal poverty level, and
  • - Resources below $6,940 for a single person or below $10,410 for a couple.

 

If you qualify for any Medicare Savings Program, you automatically qualify for the Prescription Drug Extra Help program. Medicare will pay the premiums for a basic prescription drug plan, and pay for most covered prescription medications (except for small co-pays). The beneficiary will not have the gap in coverage, and if they reach the out-of-pocket maximum, Medicare will pay 100% of their covered medication costs.

The chart below details the three available programs and the assistance offered:

 

What It's Called

  Monthly Income

*must also meet resource requirements*

 

What It Pays For

QMB

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary

Single - $951

Couple - $1,281

(Federal poverty level or below)
  • Medicare Part A monthly premium (when applicable)
  • Medicare Part B monthly premium
  • Co-insurance and deductibles for Medicare Parts A and B
  • Cost-sharing for Medicare Advantage
  • Premiums for Medicare Part D basic plans, reduces co-pays, eliminates deductibles and coverage gap.

SLMB

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary

Single - $1,137

 Couple - $1,533

(120% of the Federal poverty level or lower)
  • Medicare Part B monthly premium
  • Premiums for Medicare Part D basic plans, reduces co-pays, eliminates deductibles and coverage gap.

QI-1 (SLMB-2)

Qualified Individual-1

*subject to federal funding*

Single - $1,277

 Couple - $1,723

 

(135% of the Federal poverty level or lower)
  • Medicare Part B monthly premium
  • Premiums for Medicare Part D basic plans, reduces co-pays, eliminates deductibles and coverage gap.

To apply for any of the Medicare Savings Programs, a MO HealthNet (Medicaid) application must be completed and submitted to your local Family Support Division office. Get the application here. If you have questions about your benefits, contact your local Family Support Division office. Click here to find your county's Family Support Division office.

Return to Programs to Help You Pay