Medicare Savings Programs | Arkansas Department of Human Services

Programs provide assistance paying for Medicare premiums. In some cases, Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments if applicant meets certain conditions as outlined below:Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) ProgramProgram helps pay for: Part A premiums Part B premiums Deductibles, coinsurance and copaymentsIndividual monthly income limit*$1,084Married couple monthly income limit*$1,457Individual resource limit$7,860Married couple resource limit$11,800Special Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) ProgramProgram is a state program that helps pay Part B premiums for people who have Part A and limited income and resources.Program helps pay for: Part B premiums onlyIndividual monthly income limit*$1,296Married couple monthly income limit*$1,744Individual resource limit$7,860Married couple resource limit$11,800Qualifying Individual (QI) ProgramProgram is a state program that helps pay Part B premiums for people who ahve Part A and limited income and resources. One must apply every year for QI benefits. QI applications are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to peole who received QI benefits the previous year. (One cannot receive QI benefits if already qualified to receive Medicaid).Program helps pay for: Part B premiums onlyIndividual monthly income limit*$1,456Married couple monthly income limit*$1,960Individual resource limit$7,860Married couple resource limit$11,800Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) ProgramProgram helps pay for the Part A premium. One may qualify if any of the following is applicable: Working disabled person under 65 Lost premium-free Part A upon returning to work Not receiving medical assistance from State of Arkansas (please ask for information) Meet income and resource limits required by State of Arkansas (please ask for information)Program helps pay for: Part A premiums onlyIndividual monthly income limit*$4,339Married couple monthly income limit*$5,833Individual resource limit$4,000Married couple resource limit$6,000*Limits are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii. If an applicant has an income from working, he/she/they may qualify for benefits even if the income is higher than the limits listed.If one qualifies for QMB, SLMB, or QI program, he/she/they automatically qualifies to get extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage. Amounts may increase each year. If applicants's income and resources are slightly higher, he/she/they should still apply.What items are included in Medicare Savings Program resource limits?Countable resources include: Money in a checking or savings account Stocks BondsCountable resources do not include: One's home One car Burial plot Up to $1,500 for burial expenses if they have been set aside Furniture Other household and personal items