Language
Contact Us

Call a licensed Medicare agent. 1-888-902-5708 (TTY 1-800-955-8770)

What are Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)?

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) are government programs that help people, who qualify, with lower incomes and limited savings reduce their Medicare costs. Each program is a little bit different, but in general, these programs can help cover Medicare Part B premiums as well as copays and coinsurance for the care you receive if you qualify. Some people may even qualify for extra benefits covered by the state. 

Who is eligible for Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)?

There are two main requirements to qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. 

Your resources

This includes how much money you have in the bank or in retirement accounts, like an IRA. The value of your home and your personal belongings is not included.

Your monthly income

If your income is less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify. It’s important to note that if you’re working, you could still qualify for one of the Medicare Savings Programs.

Types of Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)

In many cases, to qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you must have income and resources below a certain limit, as described on Medicare.gov. These limits go up each year.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB)
Helps pay for: Part A premiums; Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments (for services and items Medicare covers).

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB)
Helps pay for: Part B premiums (You must have both Part A and Part B to qualify.)

Qualifying Individual Program (QI)
Helps pay for: Part B premiums (You must have both Part A and Part B to qualify.)

Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals Program (QDWI)
Helps pay for: Part A premiums only. You may qualify for the QDWI Program if you:
•    Have a disability
•    Are working
•    Lost Your Social Security disability benefits and Medicare premium-free Part A because you returned to work

Extra Help (Low Income Supplement) program to lower your prescription drug costs

Prescription drug (Part D) costs can add up. Depending on your income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help (also called (Low Income Supplement or LIS). "Extra Help" helps you pay for your prescription drug costs, such as your Part D monthly premium, your deductible, and the costs of your medications.

You may automatically get Extra Help if you: 

  • Qualify for a Medicare Savings Program and get help paying your Part B premium

  • Get Medicare and Medicaid

Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans will help pay your Part B premium.

If you are enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you may be able to choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that will help pay part of your Part B premium for you.

You’re only eligible for this benefit if you are:

  • Enrolled in Parts A and B

  • Choose a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the Part B giveback benefit.

  • Pay your own Part B premium. You will not qualify if you get help from the government to pay your Part B premium.

Medicare Savings Programs

Limited income? You may qualify for help paying your Medicare premiums.

Learn about Medicare Savings Programs

Part B Premiums

Medicare Part B helps pay for care you get at the doctor’s office, home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services.

Understanding and paying for your Part B premium
Appealing your IRMAA Part B premium

Need help applying for Medicaid, Extra Help and other Medicare Savings Programs?

We’re with you for every step. Our team of Medicaid specialists are dedicated to helping people verify their Medicaid eligibility and apply for public assistance programs. Eligible individuals can access cost savings programs like Extra Help (also called Low Income Supplement, LIS), Medicare Savings Programs, and more.

Call 1-833-823-5454
(TTY: 1-800-955-8770)
 

Call a licensed Medicare agent.
1-888-902-5708 
(TTY 1-800-955-8770)

Shop for Medicare plans in your area.

Year:
System Error. Please Try again later submission failed

Have questions about Medicare?
Request a call from a licensed agent.

System Failure

something went wrong. please try again later

Thank you for submitting your information.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Medicare Educational Resources

Find more resources and helpful information in our Medicare education library.

Medicare Basics Guide

July 2024

Download

Medicare Planning Checklist

July 2024

Download

We’re always here to help you.

Get answers to your Medicare questions. Discover Florida Blue health solutions available to you.

Call us

Call us for help or for any questions you have about your health plan needs.

1-800-926-6565

Florida Blue Centers

Speak with a licensed agent about plans in person, talk with a nurse, or learn about healthy living.

Find a Center
FBM EDUCATION NF
Disclaimers
Last Updated: 10.01.2024
Y0011_FBM2036_C