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Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
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Medicare: Financial Assistance (QMB, QWDI, SLIMB)

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The following programs are available for people who are eligible for Medicare who have low income. 

  • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program ("QMB")
  • Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program ("SLIMB")
  • Qualified Working Disabled Individual Program ("QWDI")

For each of the programs, "net countable income" and assets (resources) cannot exceed a defined level which is different for individuals, married people, and people with children. The way these programs define countable income, you can actually earn slightly more than twice the limit and still be eligible. 

Some programs assist with Medicare premiums. Other programs assist with premiums and portions of medical bills that Medicare does not pay, such as deductibles and coinsurance. Together these programs are known as Medicare Savings Programs (or Medicare Buy-In Programs).

These programs are administered by your state Medicaid agency.

For information about each of these programs, see:

NOTE: Everyone enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program is automatically eligible for full, no-deductible, premium-free, very low co-pay "Extra Help" coverage in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan with no doughnut hole.

If your income is too high for one of these programs:

  • You may qualify for Medicaid.  If you have HIV, you may qualify for your state's AIDS Drug Assistance Program.
  • You may also be able to obtain care at a Federally-funded health center (also known as HRSA Health Centers). In these centers the Medicare deductible and/or co-insurance may be reduced or waived entirely.

NOTE:  

  • For information about financial assistance in general, click here.
  • For information about assistance with paying premiums, copays, deductibles and co-insurance, click here.

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