The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is a state program designed to provide individuals with both Medicare and Medicaid coverage, with extra help paying for medical expenses. Every state offers the QMB program.
Identification
QMB is operated by the state government. The state's Medicaid program sends payments directly to Medicare to cover qualifying expenses.
Function
QMB typically pays for Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles.
Income & Resource Limits
The monthly income limit in 2010 is $923 for individuals and $1,235 for married couples. Your total resources, including money in checking and savings accounts, bonds, property (other than primary residence and its property), vehicles (one is allowed), stocks and other cash-value assets must be less than $4,000 for individuals and $6,000 for couples.
Enrollment
Contact your state's Medicaid office to enroll in QMB. You can get their number by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
Alternatives
Other Medicare Savings Programs include Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualifying Individual (QI), which only pay for part B premiums, and Qualified Disabled & Working Individuals (QDWI), which only pays for part A premiums.
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