Expert: Adelaide Rose - 7/27/2009

Question
could you explain to me what QMB is and how my mother can get on this to help on her medical supplys?

Answer
Marsha,

I took the following information right from the CMS (Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services):

Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs), with resources at or below twice the standard allowed under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and income at or below 100% of the Federal poverty level (FPL), do not have to pay their monthly Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs), with resources at or below twice the standard allowed under the SSI program and income exceeding the QMB level, but less than 120% of the FPL, do not have to pay the monthly Medicare Part B premiums. Qualifying Individuals (QIs), who are not otherwise eligible for full Medicaid benefits and with resources at or below twice the standard allowed under the SSI program, will get help with their monthly Medicare Part B premiums, if their income exceeds the SLMB level, but is less than 135% of the FPL.


Good luck