What is the Medicare Buy-In Program?
Medicare benefits are usually thought of as being only for those people age 65 and over. However, there are exceptions to this. There are individuals with disabilities and others who are eligible for Medicare.
There is a program called the Medicare Buy-In Program which includes QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) and also SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary). The program is designed to help keep low-income Medicare recipients from having to pay the increasing Medicare costs that are continuing to rise, so that these particular Medicaid beneficiaries do not lose their benefits. This includes helping beneficiaries with co-pays and deductibles.
In an effort to make this happen and help keep coverage in tact for individuals who need it most QMB and SLIMB combine Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid pays part or all the premiums and deductibles for the individual or family’s Medicare coverage for individuals who qualify financially.
QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) Program serves individuals or families of little means who need assistance the most. Their assets must be under $4,000 per individual and $6,000 per couple, and their combined income must not exceed 100% of the federal poverty level. In addition, the state Medicaid plan pays the Medicare part B premium and other costs that they would normally share. SLIMB only pays only the Part B premiums for people whose income is between 100 and 130% of the poverty limit, with assets of $4,000 per person or $6,000 per couple.
There are various states that have this program available. If you need assistance and think you might qualify, contact your local health department, your doctor or your local hospital. You can also find information at www.medicare.gov or www.medicaid.gov.
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