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OhNo-Really

(3,996 posts)
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 07:50 PM Jan 2024

1/8 Seniors Qualify for FREE Medical Care/Drugs - QMB

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary ( QMB )

Single and earn less than $1,215 a month?

You qualify to receive all of your Social Security $$, , No Premium deduction!!!

You qualify to pay NO co-pays and to NOT be billed ever!

As long as the Provider is Medicaid/Medicare qualified AND the procedure, etc is covered by Medicare.

What a well concealed secret!

Here’s a link that covers some details

https://cahealthadvocates.org/low-income-help/medicare-savings-programs-msps-qualification-at-a-glance/

If you or someone you know is less than $1,215/month low income, this QMB program makes it possible for “the least of us” to receive needed medical care.

But is this advertised 24/7 during open enrollment?

Spread the word.

In 2017, 7.7 million people (more than one out of eight people with Medicare) were in the QMB program.
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/medicaid-coordination/qualified-medicare-beneficiary-program

Enrollment in each state is handled by the same team that enrolls Medicaid. There are advocates that can help Seniors connect to the i sicko within the State Medicaid Team who handle QMB.

I find it a bit shameful how few medical professionals are aware of this program!!!

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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walkingman

(8,453 posts)
1. I think this is a wonderful program with one exception - the millions of people
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 08:03 PM
Jan 2024

that work for cash, pay no taxes, and utilize programs that are designed for the truly needy people. It is like folks that have plenty of money and yet go to food banks every week with the attitude that if someone if getting this free I deserve it too.

Or those that claim disability and go through the legal method of getting approved when there is nothing wrong with them. Basically abusing a very good program that helps people truly in need.

If this sounds harsh to you then I apologize but I think everyone should contribute to our society and not put the burden on only those that are honest.

I see this in TEXAS all the time. ☮

walkingman

(8,453 posts)
4. That's not funny - when programs are abused it causes real issues and leads to
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 08:41 PM
Jan 2024

those types of comments. It lends credence to those that advocate cutting these types of programs simply because they are views as "socialism". We are forced to police descresenacy spending, unlike military spending, because so many people do actually view it as welfare for undeserving people.

ret5hd

(21,320 posts)
5. all these texans you see doing this stuff...
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 09:32 PM
Jan 2024

“all the time” maybe you should apply as an investigator for the state.

walkingman

(8,453 posts)
6. IF I was to report fraud I would look on the rich end of public funding not the poor end.
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 11:15 PM
Jan 2024

Regardless, that does not make it right. Or without consequences. YMMV.

slightlv

(4,398 posts)
3. Is this only for those on Medicare (and medigap)
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 08:33 PM
Jan 2024

programs? Or is it also available to MA people? Hubby brings in around $800/month. It would definitely help us!

walkingman

(8,453 posts)
7. This might answer your question?
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 11:50 PM
Jan 2024

Each State controls their QMB program - I would check with HHS in your State.
https://www.kff.org/interactive/medicare-state-profiles/?activeState=Texas&activeCategory=medicare-savings-programs-eligibility
This is an example for Texas -

The QMB program provides full supplementary insurance by covering all of
Medicare’s cost-sharing amounts.
 Original Medicare: QMB covers inpatient hospital deductibles
($1,288 per benefit period in 2016) and daily inpatient hospital and
skilled nursing facility coinsurance charges. It covers the annual Part B
deductible ($166 in 2016) and all coinsurance charges (usually 20% of
Medicare’s approved amount) for doctor visits, outpatient hospital
services, and medical equipment.
 Medicare Advantage: QMB covers your deductible and copayments
for inpatient hospital stays, outpatient hospital services, doctor visits,
and medical equipment.

slightlv

(4,398 posts)
8. Thank you! We just spent $160
Sat Jan 13, 2024, 08:18 PM
Jan 2024

on an "outpatient service" that looks like it would have been covered by this. Appreciate the info!

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