Depending on your income and resources, you may qualify to get help paying your Medicare premiums from the great state of Arizona. In some cases, Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments, if you meet certain conditions. These conditions are listed below under “How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs?”
Even if you have income from working, you may qualify for one of these 4 programs. The income and resource limits may increase each year. If your income and resources are slightly higher, you should still apply, as you may still qualify.
1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program helps pay for:
- Part A premiums
- Part B premiums
- Deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments
In this program, Medicare providers aren’t allowed to bill you for services and items Medicare covers, including deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments, except outpatient prescription drugs.Pharmacists may charge you up to a limited amount for prescription drugs covered by Medicare Part D.
To make sure your provider knows you’re in the QMB program, show both your Medicare and AZ Medicaid (AHCCCS) or QMB card each time you get care. If you get a bill for medical care that Medicare covers, call your provider or plan about the charges. Tell them that you’re in the QMB program and can’t be charged for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and co-payments.
2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
The SLMB Program is a state program that helps pay Part B premiums for people who have Part A and limited income and resources.
3. Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
The QI Program is a state program that helps pay Part B premiums for people who have Part A and limited income and resources. You must apply every year for QI benefits. QI applications are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to people who got QI benefits the previous year. (You cannot get QI benefits if you qualify for Medicaid).
4. Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program
The QDWI program helps pay the Part A premium. You may qualify if any of these apply to you:
- You are a working disabled person under 65
- You lost your premium-free Part A when you went back to work
- You are not getting medical assistance from the state
- You meet the income and resource limits required by your state
If you qualify for the QMB program, SLMB, or QI program, you automatically qualify for Medicare Extra Help, which helps pay for Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Resources Counted for the Medicare Savings Program
Countable resources include:
- Money in a checking or savings account
- Stocks
- Bonds
Countable resources do NOT include:
- Your home
- One car
- Burial plot
- Up to $1,500 for burial expenses if you have put that money aside
- Furniture
- Other household and personal items
How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs
If you answer yes to these 3 questions, contact Roman Brokers Insurance , or Arizona’s Medicaid office to see if you qualify for one of the Medicare Savings Programs:
- Do you have, or are you eligible for, Part A?
- Is your income for last year at, or below the programs’ income limits? (contact us to determine eligibility)
- Do you have limited resources, below the programs’ limits? (contact us to determine eligibility)
Contact Us to Help You at No Cost, No Obligation to You!
Roman Brokers Insurance in Mesa, AZ represents a wide range of Medicare plans and options that will best suit your specific needs and wants. We can help you to determine your eligibility and apply for the Medicare Extra Help Program and the Medicare Savings Programs!
Roman Brokers Insurance compares companies and plans for the best possible combinations of cost, coverage and compatibility. Dan Roman, a licensed, insured, independent and experienced agent will walk you through the process and give a detailed explanation of the differences in each plan. Contact Us today or at 480-834-7447.