A state-sponsored program known as a Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program offers financial support for paying Medicare Part B premiums. If you are having trouble affording your medical bills, this program can help make healthcare more affordable. The details of what an SLMB program performs, who might be qualified, how to enroll, and other topics will be covered in this article.
What is the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program ?
One of the four Medicare Savings Programs, the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program allows you to receive help from your state to pay your Medicare premiums. SLMB Program helps pay for Medicare Part B premiums only.
Even if you are eligible for a Medicare Part A plan with no monthly cost, you typically still have to pay the Part B premium. However, an SLMB program will pay for these expenses, which will cut down on your overall healthcare costs. The goal of SLMB is to assist you in paying your Medicare Part B premiums, which can help you save more than $1,700 annually.
You automatically qualify for Extra Help in paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage if you meet the requirements for the SLMB program. Different degrees of Extra Help are available to you, and they can aid in covering your coinsurance, deductible, and prescription medication premiums.
You must be a Medicare Part A beneficiary to be eligible for financial assistance from specified low-income medicare beneficiary program. Additionally, you need to meet specific asset and income requirements. The Medicare website lists the income requirements. Contact with Medicaid office in your state to apply for the SLMB program.
Key Facts of SLMB Program
- A Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program helps you pay for Medicare Part B premiums.
- One of four Medicare savings programs is an SLMB program.
- The SLMB program is funded by a state's Medicaid program.
- Depending on your income or resources, you might be eligible. These restrictions could be different in each state.
How Does the SLMB Program Work ?
The specified low-income medicare beneficiary program is a state rather than a federal program. If certain requirements are met, it is intended to assist someone in paying their Medicare Part B premiums.
If a senior or adult with a disability has resources under $8,400 for a single person and $12,600 for a married couple, they may be eligible for assistance. If eligible, specified low-income medicare beneficiary program will cover the Medicare Part B premium ($170.10 in 2022).
Who is Eligible for Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program ?
You must be qualified for Medicare Part A and meet certain income or resource requirements in order to be eligible for an SLMB program.
You must be 65 or older, have a qualifying disability, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in order to be eligible for Medicare Part A. To be eligible for premium-free Part A, you must have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (about 10 years).
To participate in the specified low-income medicare beneficiary program, you must have limited income and resources. These financial limits could change from year to year. In Alaska and Hawaii, there are slightly higher income limits.
What is the Income Limit for SLMB in 2022 ?
You must fulfill the following income requirements, which are also listed on the Medicare Savings Programs website, in order to be eligible for SLMB benefits :
|
Your situation |
Monthly income limit |
Resource limit |
|
Individual |
$1,379 |
$8,400 |
|
Married couple |
$1,851 |
$12,600 |
Note :
For the most recent income requirements, please visit the Medicare Savings Programs page as these limits vary from year to year.
If you qualify for Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program :
- You will also get Extra Help to pay for your prescription drugs.
- In 2022, you will pay no more than $9.85 for each drug your Medicare drug plan covers.
Note :
If you are eligible for an specified low-income medicare beneficiary program, you don’t necessarily qualify for Medicaid benefits. You must meet separate income limits to receive Medicaid. Even if you aren’t eligible for Medicaid, you still may be able to get specified low-income medicare beneficiary benefits.
How to Apply for Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program ?
To learn how to apply and what kinds of documentation you need, contact your state’s Medicaid office.
Steps to Apply for SLMB Program
The following steps can be taken to begin the specified low-income medicare beneficiary program enrollment process:
- Ask how to apply by contacting the Medicaid office in your state. This could entail making a appointment or submitting an application by mail or online.
- Gather the required paperwork to provide to the Medicaid office in your state. These normally include of a bank statement that lists your assets as well as your Medicare card, Social Security card, birth certificate or other evidence of citizenship, proof of residence, proof of income, and verification of your address.
- Within 45 days, you should receive a notice informing you of the status of your application.
When you are approved for the SLMB program, Medicare will notify you that you are also approved for Extra Help. When your prescription drug (Part D) plan receives this information, you can also save money on your medicines.
Contact SLMB Program
Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for further details. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
To locate a contact near you, visit the Medicare's Helpful Contacts page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits for Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program ?
You probably qualify for SLMB support if your counted monthly income, after the adjustments made in determining income for SSI purposes, is less than $1,379 for an individual or $1,851 for a couple (in 2022).
What Are the specified low-income medicare beneficiary program limits for Assets?
Asset restrictions for the SLMB program are $8,400 for an individual and $12,600 for a married couple.
What does SLMB cover ?
SLMBs receive fewer advantages than QMBs because the SLMB program is only available to those with higher earnings. The SLMB program covers the monthly Part B premium for Medicare, but not the associated deductible or coinsurance costs. Nevertheless, this might result in annual savings of more than $1,000.