Need Help with Medicare Costs?

Posted on 03/24/24

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Are you or your loved one facing challenges paying for Medicare costs? There’s help for that. You may be eligible for a program that could save you more than $2,100 a year.

Medicare Savings Programs help eligible people by paying Medicare premiums, deductibles, and other Medicare-related costs. You can have either standard Medicare or a Medicare managed care plan.

One of these Medicare Savings Programs may help:

  • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
    • Pays Part A and Part B premiums
    • Pays deductibles
    • Pays co-payments except for prescriptions
  • Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
    • Pays Part B premium
  • Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
    • Pays Part B premium
  • Qualified Disabled & Working Individuals (QDWI) Program
    • Pays Part A premium

Most states use the income and resource limits below, but Washington State’s Medicaid office can tell you the income and resource limits it uses for program eligibility.

Call or fill out an application if you think you could qualify for savings—even if your income or resources are higher than the amounts listed below.

Table Medicare Savings Program.png
* The QDWI program for the working disabled has special earned income deductions, so you will need to call for assistance in determining eligibility for this program.

Contact the Washington State Medicaid office at 1-800-562-3022 to find out if you or your loved one qualifies for a Medicare Savings Program. Apply directly at www.washingtonconnection.org.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

For more information, visit www.Medicare.gov/medicare-savings-programs

This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the AARP Washington page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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