Understanding Medicare Savings Programs in Illinois

1. Medicare Savings Programs(MSP) John Spears – HFS Policy

2. QMBQualified Medicare Beneficiaries Pays for: • Medicare Part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) premiums; and • Deductibles and coinsurance charges for all Medicare covered services, including Medicare services not covered by Medicaid • Part A premiums, if any – and if the person is already enrolled in Part A

3. SLIB (SLMB)Specified Low-Income Beneficiaries Payment for: • Medicare Part B premiums only QI-1Qualified Individuals Payment for: • Medicare Part B premiums only

4. Eligibility for MSP Eligible individuals must: • Have Medicare Part A (or Medicare Advantage) • Meet the income standard • Meet the asset standard • Be an Illinois resident • Provide their Social Security Number • Assign medical support rights

5. 2010 Monthly Income Standards* *$25 income deduction is given & earned income deductions, if applicable Understanding Medicare

6. Asset Standards

7. Applying for MSP • Should be automatically considered part of a cash or medical application • MSP only - DHS Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) • 2378M (www.hfs.illinois.gov/medicalforms/) • SSA Extra Help after 1/1/10 • Extra Help file will generate initial web-based app to DHS • 267MSP requesting additional info will be sent • Individual must respond and verify eligibility

8. When does Coverage Begin? • QMB – the month after the application is approved • SLIB (SLMB) & QI-1 – up to 3 months before the application month if the person was eligible

9. How Long does Coverage Continue? • FCRCs should complete an annual redetermination to review eligibility • MSP should be continued, if eligible - even if other eligibility ends • Contact the FCRC to add MSP to the existing medical or cash case. A new application is not needed.