Medicare Savings Program

The Medicare Saving Program (MSP) helps people with limited income pay for their Medicare premium(s). Medicare provides access to health care for millions of senior citizens and people with disabilities. Congress started the Medicare Savings Program to protect low-income seniors and people with disabilities from the significant and growing costs to maintain Medicare coverage.


Individuals who are enrolled in Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A) may be placed in one of four groups if they meet the program eligibility requirements. Eligible individuals receive help with the payment of their Medicare premiums (Part B) and all or part of their Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). In some cases, the Medicare part A premium, deductibles and co-payments are covered.


Eligibility rules for each program differs. Click the program name for more information. The Medicare Savings Program groups are:  

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have Medicare Part A to participate in Medicaid's Medicare Savings Program?

You must be eligible for and currently enrolled in Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A). If you are not sure if you have Part A, look on your Medicare card or call the Social Security Office toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

 

What resources are considered when applying for the Medicare Savings Program?

Only the Qualified Disabled and Working Individual Program (QDWI) has a resource limit that is used when determining eligibility for MSP. The resource limit is no more than twice the countable resources allowed under the SSI program. Resources are cash money and any other property that can be converted to cash and used for support and maintenance.  Resources (the things you own) are things like:

  • Cars (other than primary), trucks, boats, and other vehicles;
  • All property, including houses and inherited property or estate property;
  • All types of bank accounts, stocks, bonds, or other cash holdings;
  • Life or burial insurance, burial contracts, etc.;
  • Anything else of value.

Some things (like the home you live in, one car, burial plots, furniture, and some life insurance) are not counted towards the program limit.

Note:  Resources are disregarded when determining eligibility for the QMB, SLMB and QI programs.

 

How do I apply for the Medicare Savings Program?

There are four ways to apply for the Medicare Savings Program.

  1. Apply online by visiting the Medicaid Self-Service Portal.
  2. Download and print an application form. Then mail or fax it to Medicaid as directed on the form.
  3. Apply by phone. Call Medicaid Customer Service toll free at 1-888-342-6207.
  4. Apply in person at your local Medicaid office. Walk-in offices are open to the public Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

You must answer all of the questions on the application form and give the needed proof so we can see if the person who is applying is eligible for Medicaid. If you do not apply, Medicaid cannot decide if the person is eligible for benefits.

 

Where can I call for help with the Medicare Savings Program?

If you need help to complete the application form or questions, call us toll-free at 1-888-342-6207. Assistance is available Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

If you are deaf or have trouble hearing, you may call the TTY number toll-free at 1-800-220-5404.

Resources

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