Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

A QMB stands for Qualified Medicare Beneficiary. It is a Medicaid program that helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for their Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

To be eligible for QMB, an individual must have an income that does not exceed 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and have limited resources. The income limit for QMB for 2021 is $1,296 for an individual and $1,744 for a couple. The resource limit for QMB is $7,500 for an individual and $11,250 for a couple.

QMBs are automatically eligible for extra help with their Medicare prescription drug costs, which is known as the "Low-Income Subsidy" (LIS).

QMBs are also eligible for other benefits such as full Medicaid coverage for Medicare cost-sharing, non-emergency medical transportation, and personal care services.

If you are eligible for QMB, you will not have to pay for your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Additionally, you will not be liable for any medical bills that Medicare does not pay.

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