Medicare Buy-In Program
The Medicare Buy-In Program, also known as QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) and SLIMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary). It is designed to protect low-income Medicare beneficiaries from the significant and growing costs required to receive Medicare coverage, including out-of-pocket cost sharing expenses (deductibles and co--payments). The Program connects the two largest public health programs in the country, Medicare and Medicaid, as Medicaid pays for all or part of the Medicare premium and deductible amounts for individuals who are financially eligible.
The QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) Program serves individuals with modest assets (up to $4,000 per individual or $6,000 per couple) with combined incomes that do not go over 100 percent of the federal poverty level. The state Medicaid program pays their Medicare Part B premiums and cost-sharing amounts. The SLIMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) Program pays only the Part B premium for those with incomes between 100 and 120 percent of poverty with assets up to $4,000 per individual or $6,000 per couple.
Please note that applications for all Medical Assistance programs can be obtained completed and submitted at your local health department, Drs. Office and Hospital Social Work Department.
311 West Saratoga Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201
1-800-332-6347
dhrhelp@dhr.state.md.us
