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Special programs are available for low income Medicare beneficiaries to help them pay their Medicare premiums, but a recent study by the Medicare Rights Center found that many people are unaware of the programs, or unwilling to apply for them. Their study found that 88% of the people they surveyed are unaware of these programs. They also found that 42% of the people they surveyed had contacted the Medicaid office for help, but only 12% were told about these programs. Of those who were told about the programs, only 2% applied.

Surveyors found that many Medicaid offices were screening applicants to see if they qualified for full Medicaid assistance without also checking to see if they qualified for these premium assistance programs which are available to some people who do not otherwise qualify for Medicaid. Of those beneficiaries who were told about the existance of assistance programs, the most common reasons why they did not apply was the stigma of going to the Medicaid office, the burdensome paperwork and financial disclosure requirements, and in some cases, poor health and lack of access to transportation.

The Medicare assistance programs pay for some or all of Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for low income people who do not qualify for the Medicaid program. The available programs are called QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary), SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries, QI-1 and QI-2 (Qualifying Individuals). Premium assistance is available to people with income below $716-$1,238 for an individual and $958-$1,661 for a couple, depending on the program. The programs are limited to people with assets of no more than $4,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a couple, not including their home or most personal property.

>> Medicare Rights Center Press Release