Medicare is a comprehensive health care program that is typically affordable. But for those struggling financially, the excess costs can begin to add up. Fortunately, there are programs in the state of Mississippi through the Division of Medicaid that help low-income citizens.
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
The state of Mississippi offers the qualified Medicare beneficiary (QMB) program, which is a Medicare savings program. This program pays for the Part A premium, the Part B premium and co-payments, deductibles and any co-insurance.
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
There is another Medicare savings program called the specified low-income Medicare beneficiary (SLMB) program. SLMB covers the Part B premium.
Qualifying Individual Program
The final Medicare savings program is called the qualifying individual (QI) program, which also pays for the Part B premium.
MSP Qualifications
To qualify for these programs, beneficiaries must meet income guidelines. For QMB, their monthly income may not exceed $903, if single, or $1,215, if married. SLMB beneficiaries may not exceed a monthly income of $1,083 (single) and $1,457 (couple). Finally, QI beneficiaries must have a monthly income less than $1,218 (single) and $1,640 (couple). There is no asset limit in the state of Mississippi.
Extra Help
Mississippians with low-incomes can also cut down their Medicare costs by applying for the federal program called Extra Help, which pays for many of the costs associated with Part D, the prescription drug benefit.
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