Updated Information for Medicare
Savings Programs & Extra Help
CMS - June 8, 2021
The Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help are important programs designed to help low-income Americans afford Medicare coverage. Many people who are eligible for these programs are not yet enrolled.
Each May, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends letters to 2 million low-income Medicare beneficiaries, informing them about the Medicare Savings Programs and how they can help with Medicare costs. These include the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and Qualifying Individual (QI) programs. The letters provide information on what Medicare Savings Programs cover, a brief description of the income and asset criteria, and how to apply.
SSA also sends a data file to each state – sent this year on May 7, 2021 – identifying the Medicare beneficiaries to whom the outreach letters are being mailed. States can use these data files to conduct targeted outreach to individuals who may qualify and support customer service representatives at Medicaid hotlines who may receive calls.
Each May, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends letters to 2 million low-income Medicare beneficiaries, informing them about the Medicare Savings Programs and how they can help with Medicare costs. These include the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and Qualifying Individual (QI) programs. The letters provide information on what Medicare Savings Programs cover, a brief description of the income and asset criteria, and how to apply.
SSA also sends a data file to each state – sent this year on May 7, 2021 – identifying the Medicare beneficiaries to whom the outreach letters are being mailed. States can use these data files to conduct targeted outreach to individuals who may qualify and support customer service representatives at Medicaid hotlines who may receive calls.