By Karen Courtney, CHW, Director of Programs, CareWell Services SW
You may be eligible for the State Medicaid to help pay your Federal Medicare Part B insurance premium. To qualify, single persons can have gross monthly income of up to $1660.25, and assets up to $9,090. Married persons can have a combined total gross monthly income of up to $2,238.50, and assets up to $13,630. Gross means the income amount BEFORE any premiums or deductions are taken out of your Social Security.
There are different levels of State assistance for people on Medicare. Persons who apply may qualify to only have their Part B premium paid, and have Medicaid as secondary insurance only if a monthly deductible is met. These are the SLMB and ALMB categories. Those with lower incomes – singles making under $1235/month or Marrieds under $1663.50/month – may qualify in the QMB category, to have premiums paid, plus Medicare A and B deductibles and co-pays covered. Qualifying for QMB effectively eliminates the need for supplemental/Medigap insurance, which saves on that additional premium cost, too!
The Prescription Extra Help Program has higher income and asset limits: Singles: $1823 monthly income/$16,660 Assets; Marrieds $2465 income/$33,240 Assets.
Need help applying?
Call MMAP. 1-800-803-7174.