Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

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Medicare Savings Program - Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)


Program Overview


The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is one of the Medicare Savings Programs that helps you pay for your Medicare premiums. The QMB program helps pay for:

  • Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
  • Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums
  • Medicare deductibles
  • Coinsurance for services and items covered by Medicare

If you qualify for the QMB program, you will receive extra help with your costs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit (Part D). This program also limits the amount you pay for prescriptions to only a few dollars each month.

 

 

Read More About MSP-QMB


medicineQMB is the only Medicare Savings Program that acts like a Medicare supplemental or Medigap plan. The program pays for:

  • Medicare Part A and Part B premiums
  • Medicare deductibles for Medicare covered services
  • Medicare co-insurance for Medicare covered services
  • Extra help paying for prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D

QMB recipients are automatically enrolled in the low income subsidy (LIS), also called “extra help.” The LIS or extra help pays for one of the following:

 

  • The full cost of a Medicare Part D (prescription coverage) benchmark plan
  • A portion of a non-benchmark plan, yearly deductibles, and either co-insurance or co-pays.  

This benefit also allows you to change your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plans outside of the open enrollment period.


Eligibility


Income limits: 

 

  • Income limits for 2022 (these may change from year to year)
    • Individual monthly: $ 2,390
    • Married monthly: $ 3,220
  • Active TFA-eligible households can earn up to the federal poverty level (FPL) and remain eligible.

 

Asset limit:

  • Connecticut does not have an asset limit for Medicare Savings Programs.

Documents and Information You Need to Apply


You will need to provide full names, dates of birth, social security numbers (if available), contact information, Medicare status, and income information for you and your spouse (if applicable).

 

How to Apply

  • Apply online: Visit www.connect.ct.gov and click “Apply for Benefits.”
  • Apply by mail: Complete the appropriate form and mail it to DSS ConneCT Scanning Center, PO Box 1320, Manchester, CT 06045. 
    • Forms:
      • If you want to apply for Medicare Savings Plan ONLY: W-1 QMB
      • If you want to apply for Medicare Savings Plan and additional DSS programs such as: SNAP (food stamps), cash assistance, or HUSKY C programs such as Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities (MED-Connect): W-1E Application for Benefits
  • Drop off your application: Drop off the completed application at a local DSS Regional Office. See a list of local offices here.
  • Apply by filling out application in-person for MSP benefits at local DSS office. See a list of local offices here.

Need Help?

 

DSS field offices are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 8-4:30 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays). The DSS Client Information Line & Benefits Center phone line can be reached by calling 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632). Phones are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Need Help or an Accommodation?

Visit a DSS field office where a worker can help you fill out forms, get documentation, make medical appointments, and get medical documentation to prove a disability. 

People who are deaf or hard of hearing and have a TDD/TTY device can contact DSS at 1-800-842-4524.  

Persons who are blind or visually impaired can contact DSS at 1-860-424-5040. 


See a full list of DSS field offices here.

 

Learn more about applying for QMB

 

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