Programs to Help You Pay Your Medicare Premiums & Deductibles

August 21, 2018

Legal Matters

Presented by: Bradford & Holliman, Estate Planning, www.bradfordholliman.com

It can be difficult for seniors and individuals with disabilities on the Medicare program to pay the Medicare monthly premiums and deductibles. Because of this, there are Medicare Savings Programs in Alabama that can help. These programs are administered through the Alabama Medicaid Agency. The programs provide some Medicaid benefits to help individuals that qualify pay for their Medicare. However, this type of Medicaid is different from the type that requires families to have little to no assets. Instead, low income is the key requirement to receive these benefits.

Seniors and disabled individuals with monthly incomes of $1,032 or less ($1,392 for a married couple) may apply for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program. This program:

Pays the Medicare Part B Premium of $134 each month;
Pays the Medicare deductible of $1,340 for hospital stays and $183 for doctor and medical visits when using a provider that accepts Medicaid;
In some cases, will pay the Medicare Part A premium.

Seniors and disabled individuals with monthly incomes of $1,032.01 – $1,234.00 ($1,392.01-$1,666.00 for a married couple) may apply for the Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program.This program:

Pays the Medicare Part B Premium of $134 each month.

Seniors and disabled individuals with monthly incomes of $1,234.01 – $1,386.00 ($1,666.01-$1,872.00 for a married couple) may apply for the Qualified Individual -1 (QI-1) Program. This program:

Pays the Medicare Part B Premium of $134 each month.

For people qualifying for the SLMB and QI-1 program, they may also apply for supplemental insurance coverage such as BlueCross Blue Shield C+ plan. The savings from the Medicare premium will help them to pay for the insurance deductible for C+. The supplemental insurance will then cover their co-pays and deductibles for hospital stays.

These programs can be very beneficial. You may apply directly with the Alabama Medicaid Agency by completing a Form 211 application. If you have additional questions or needs, contact an elder law attorney for guidance.