Medicare Premium Payment Program
The Medicare Premium Payment Program helps elderly and disabled adults pay all or some of the costs of Medicare’s Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and co-payments. Depending on income and resources, individuals may qualify for one of the following categories:
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
People over age 65 and adults with disabilities may qualify if their income is less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and if their resources, such as savings, are less than $ 4,000. If eligible, Medical Assistance will pay for Medicare Part A and B. By covering the Medicare Part B premium through Medical Assistance, the recipients will not have this amount taken out of their Social Security check.
Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary Program
People over age 65 and adults with disabilities may qualify if their income is between 100% and 120% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and if their resources, such as savings, are less than $ 4,000. If eligible, Medical Assistance will pay for Medicare Part B.
Qualified Individual (Q1)
People over age 65 and adults with disabilities may qualify if their income is between 120% and 135% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and if their resources are less than $ 4,000. If eligible, Medical Assistance will pay the Medicare Part B premium. Funds for this program are limited and eligibility is on a first come, first served basis.
Qualified Individual (Q2)
People over age 65 and adults with disabilities may qualify if their income is between 135% and 175% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and if their resources are less than $ 4,000. If eligible, Medical Assistance will pay a small amount monthly to offset the cost of their Medicare premiums. Funds for this program are limited and eligibility is based on a first come, first served basis.
Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI)
People over age 65 who are working and adults with disabilities may qualify if their income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). If eligible, Medical Assistance will pay the Medicare Part A premium only.
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance coverage and Medicare Part B is for physician services, durable medical equipment and outpatient services.
How to Apply
For more information, call your local DHS office listed in the Local Office Directory.
Information on Federal Poverty Level guidelines may refer to the FPL guidelines page.
