QMB

QMB pays for Medicare Part A (not everyone pays a premium) & Part B premium, annual deductible, and per visit co-pay charge for all Medicare covered services. If a Medicare beneficiary is approved for QMB, their Social Security check will not have the Part B premium amount deducted. There is no estate recovery in Illinois. Apply in Illinois through the ABE website online or a paper MSP application. The applicant must be enrolled in at least Medicare Part A and meet the eligibility guidelines below.

• 1 person household, $1,240 income per month, and $9,090 of countable assets
• 2 person household, $1,668 income per month, and $15,160 of countable assets

Some states exempt these income sources:

• First $25 of monthly income and/or the first $20 of SSI income
• First $65 monthly of earned wages
• One-half of monthly wages after the $65 is deducted
• SNAP (formerly called food stamps)

In all states, these assets are not counted:

• Primary house
• One car
• Household goods and wedding/engagement rings
• Burial plot
• Up to $1,500 for burial expenses if money is put aside

The monthly income limits are 100% of the poverty level, although many states disregard some income. These figures may change if the poverty level changes.

Sources: Medicare Savings Programs and in IL: WAG 25-03-02-(2)