Medicare Savings Programs in Missouri
If you have limited resources, you can apply for Medicare Savings Programs. These programs cover items such as plan premiums, copays, deductibles, and more, if you meet the income criteria.
There are four levels of savings programs, each with its own criteria for income and resources. The first program, QMB, has the lowest income limit and offers the greatest amount of coverage. The income limits increase from there.
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
QMB helps cover Part A and Part B premiums, and deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
SLMB helps pay for Part B premiums.
Qualifying Individual (QI)
QI helps pay for Part B premiums.
Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI)
QDWI helps pay for Part A premiums.
Talk to one of our advisors to find out if you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program or keep reading to find out more.
Call: 1-800-760-4350 (TTY:711)
Qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program
Your eligibility depends on if your income and resources are at or below the threshold of at least one of the four levels. The limits are also higher for married couples.
Your resources also help determine whether you’re eligible. These resources, considered separate of your income, include checking and savings accounts, stocks, and bonds.
The limits change each year, and you can check the amounts on a site such as Medicare.gov to see if you’re eligible.
3 questions to find out if you qualify
If you answer yes to the three questions below, check with MO HealthNet, Medicaid for Missouri, about a Medicare Savings Program.
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Do you have Original Medicare Part A (or are you eligible for it)?
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Is your yearly income at or below the program limits?
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Do you have limited resources at or below the program limits?
Extra Help paying for prescription drugs
Extra Help offers assistance for prescription drug costs and waives late enrollment penalties for Part D. While Medicare Savings Programs come from your state, Extra Help is a federal government resource. You can visit the Social Security website or local office to apply.
Many people are not aware they meet the requirements for these programs. Plus, it's possible to qualify for Extra Help even if you're not eligible for any of the Medicare Savings Programs. That’s why checking with Social Security to see if you qualify is worth your time.
If you don’t qualify for Medicare Savings Programs, you can still save money with a Medicare Advantage plan from Healthy Blue Missouri. Our plans include coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing care.