Medical Insurance Information for Seniors & Individuals with a Disability
The Medicare Savings Programs, also known as QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary), SLMB (Specified Low income Medicare Beneficiary) and ALMB (Additional Low income Medicare Beneficiary), may help pay for your Medicare premiums. QMB may also pay for your Medicare coinsurance and deductibles.
Who can apply for the Medicare Savings Programs?
A person who is eligible for Medicare Part A hospital coverage and who has income and assets below the program limits may be eligible for one of the programs. Most people become eligible for Medicare Part A when they turn 65 years old. People who are between the ages of 18 and 65 can also receive Medicare Part A if they receive Social Security benefits and have been permanently disabled for at least two years.
How can I save on my Medicare premium?
If you have Medicare Part B, you pay a premium each month for coverage. (Part B pays for doctor bills, lab tests, x-rays, etc.). It is deducted from your Social Security check each month. If you qualify for QMB, SLMB or ALMB, the State of Connecticut will pay the Part B premium for you.
What if I don’t have Part A?
You may choose not to take Part A when you become eligible for Medicare. You can change your mind later, but then you will have to pay the Part A premium to the federal government. If you were eligible for Part A but did not take it at enrollment, the State of Connecticut will pay the Part A premium for you under the QMB program. If you are not sure that you have Part A, check your Medicare card or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Are there other benefits?
Yes. If you qualify for QMB, QMB will pay your Medicare coinsurance (co-payments) and deductibles up to the amount that Medicaid would pay for that service. The SLMB or ALMB programs do not pay coinsurance or deductibles. Please note: QMB can only make the payment if the provider accepts Medicaid. In some cases, QMB may also pay your Medicare Part A premium.
Will this cost me anything?
No. There is no charge to you for any of the benefits under these programs.
Is there an income limit?
Yes. The level of help that you receive depends on your countable income. You may contact the Social Services Department at (203) 834-6238 for more information.
How do I apply?
Contact the Social Services Department at (203) 834-6238. You may also telephone a CHOICES health insurance counselor at the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA). They will answer your questions, send you a simple four-page application, and a postage paid return envelope. To reach a CHOICES counselor, call 1-800-994-9422.
The Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, and ALMB) may help pay for your Medicare premiums. QMB may also pay for your Medicare coinsurance and deductibles.
Are there other benefits?
Yes! If you qualify for QMB, QMB will pay your Medicare coinsurance (co-payments) and deductibles up to the amount that Medicaid would pay for that service. The SLMB or ALMB programs do not pay coinsurance or deductibles. Please note: QMB can only make the payment if the provider accepts Medicaid. In some cases, QMB may also pay your Medicare Part A premium.
Will this cost me anything?
No. There is no charge to you for any of the benefits under these programs.
If you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program, you will also be eligible for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs. For additional information on and to apply for Extra Help please the Social Security Administration website.
For more information on medical information for seniors and the disabled, please contact Lauren Hughes at (203) 834-6238.