MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAMS

QMB, SLMB, QI-1, QI-2

Financial Assistance for Medicare Recipients

Everyone on Medicare must pay a monthly premium of $54.00 for Part B Medicare (Medical Insurance) as well as various deductibles and co-payments, which increase each year. Some people must pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A as well. Medicare is confusing and not free. Under Federal law, the Medicaid program in Texas, with matched funds from the federal government, will help pay some or all of these costs for the elderly and persons with disabilities who have low income and limited financial resources. The Medicare Savings Programs include the following:

· QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) which pays all Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.

· SLMB (Specified Low Income Beneficiary) pays the Medicare Part B premium.

· QI-1 (Qualified Individual-1) pays the Medicare Part B premium for persons with a slightly higher income than SLMB but is not an entitlement program, and

· QI-2 (Qualified Individual-2) pays only a small part of the Medicare Part B premium in a check mailed once a year, for persons with more income than the other programs.

· DWI (Qualified Disabled Working Individuals) pays the Part A premium for eligible persons.

Persons who are on Medicare or who would qualify for Medicare must apply for these programs through the Texas Department of Human Services (1-888-834-7406 or TDD 1-888-425-6889). Eligibility is limited to the elderly or people with disabilities or kidney disease, and is based on income and resource levels. The upper income limit is $1,517 (or $2,030 for a couple) after deductions and exclusions. Countable resources cannot be more than $4,000 (or $6,000 for a couple). Homestead, personal clothing and effects, household furniture and furnishings, and usually one car are not counted as resources.

To help publicize these programs and explain Medicare, we have printed materials which are distributed free of charge. We give presentations to consumers and provide trainings around the state for professionals who go out to the clients in group settings to present information about these programs. We estimate that most Texans on Medicare will save at least $54 per month, or $600 per year under these programs. Many will save even more.

For more information you may call any of the following numbers:

· 1-800-622-2520 or TDD 1-877-526-9953

· 1-800-252-9240 or voice/TDD 1-800-252-9108


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Last updated: 06/17/2002