Apply for Medicare Savings 2019-2020 income updates

It's a great time to save money on Medicare by applying for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) a program through the State of Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

If you have or qualify for Medicare you can apply to save money any time during the year. The MSP has three levels of savings: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualifying Individual (QI).

If you qualify for the QMB Program, your Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments will be paid. To qualify for QMB you must be eligible for Medicare Part A, and your income as an individual must be equal to or below $1,061 per month. If you are married your combined income must be equal to or below $1,430 per month.

If you qualify for SLMB or QI your Part B Premiums will be paid. Currently Part B Premiums are $135.50 per month, which total $1,626 savings per year.

To qualify for SLMB Program you must be eligible for Medicare Part A, and your income as an individual must be equal to or below $1,269 per month. If you are married your combined income must be equal to or below $1,711 per month.

To qualify for QI Program you must be eligible for Medicare Part A, and your income as an individual must be equal to or below $1,426 per month. If you are married your combined income must be equal to or below $1,923 per month.

All three Medicare Savings Programs require that money in your cash accounts must be less than $7,730 for a single person and $11,600 for a married person living with a spouse and no other dependents.

Additionally, if you qualify for the QMB, SLMB or QI programs, you automatically qualify to get Extra Help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage.

To apply for Medicare Savings Programs you may complete Form DPHHS-HCS-004AA (Rev. 12/10) which I have available in my office; or go online to apply.mt.gov. Call me, Linda Howard Seeley-Swan Resource Specialist for an appointment, 406-541-7688. I am happy to assist you in applying.

The best of health to you,

Linda