QMB, SLMB, and QI: Idaho's Medicare Savings Programs Explained
The three Idaho Medicare Savings Programs that lower Medicare costs for low-income beneficiaries, income limits, what each pays for, and how to apply.
A surprising number of Idahoans on Medicare qualify for help paying their premiums and out-of-pocket costs and never apply. The programs are called Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), and Idaho runs three of them through the Department of Health and Welfare.
The three programs
QMB, Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
Pays your Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Providers can't bill you for Medicare cost-sharing if you have QMB. This is the most generous MSP.
SLMB, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
Pays your Part B premium (currently around $185/month). That's $2,200+ a year back in your pocket.
QI, Qualifying Individual
Same benefit as SLMB but at a slightly higher income limit. Funded annually by Congress, first-come first-served, but Idaho almost never runs out.
Who automatically gets Extra Help (LIS)
If you qualify for any MSP, you automatically qualify for Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D, which dramatically lowers prescription copays and removes the late enrollment penalty.
How to apply in Idaho
Applications go through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. We can pre-screen you on the phone in about 10 minutes, then walk you through the paperwork, there's no cost for our help.
Talk to a real person
Hometown Health is an independent Idaho Falls agency. We focus on Medicare, Medicaid, and dual-eligible coverage across Idaho.