Medicare Participants: You Might Be Able to Get Help with Health Expenses
Medicare recipients may qualify for Florida’s Medicare/Medicaid Buy-in Program and get help with costs like:
- The monthly Medicare premium
- Co-payments for doctors
- Annual Part B deductible
There are three Buy-In Programs, also called Medicare Savings Programs. They are: QMB, SLMB, or QI1. If you qualify for any of these 3 programs, you automatically also qualify to get “Extra Help” paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage. There are fixed asset limits the programs, but income limits vary by program.
About the QMB or Qualified Medicaid Beneficiary Program
- Your Medicare Part B premium will be paid for you by the State of Florida Medicaid Program
- Medicaid will pay your also pay your doctor and hospital co-payment
- Medicaid will pay your annual Medicare deductible
About the SLMB or Special Low-Income Medicaid Program
- Your Medicare Part B premium will be paid for you by the State of Florida Medicaid Program
About the QI1 or Qualified Income Medicaid Beneficiary Program
- Your Medicare premium might be paid for you by the State of Florida if you qualify AND funds are available
- This program is limited by funding each year; apply before the program fills up
Apply anytime at your local DCF service center. Ask for Form CF-ES 2282.
Once you complete the application:
- Fax or deliver the application in person to your local Department of Children and Families service center or mail it to ACCESS Central Mail Center at P.O. Box 1770 Ocala, Florida 34478-1770
- Keep a copy of your application for yourself
If you need help completing the application, call S.H.I.N.E. at 800-963-5337.
If you apply for these programs and get denied, you may contact the Florida Senior Legal Helpline at 888-895-7873, for free legal advice.