QI Program

The QI program pays for the Medicare Part B premium for people with income higher than the SLMB / SLIB program. 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, between $1,379 and $1,549 income per month and $7,970 of countable assets
• 2 person household, between $1,851 and $2,080 income per month and $11,960 of countable assets
• Add $504 for each additional person in a household

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 your monthly wages after the $65 is deducted
• SNAP (formerly called food stamps)

In all states, these assets are never 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 between 120% and 135% 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)