Can Medi-Cal Pay Your Medicare Part B Premium?

Medicare Savings Program

• Yes. In California, the Medicare Savings Program may help pay your Medicare Part B premium. This is especially important if your Medicare Part B premium is being deducted from your Social Security check each month.
  • Have Medi Cal pay Medicare Part B Premium #Costs # 10126
• The Medicare Savings Program is connected with Medi-Cal.  Some people qualify for help with only the Medicare Part B premium, while others may also qualify for help with Medicare deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
• If you are still deciding whether to enroll in Medicare Part B now or wait, see our page on:
  • Medicare Part B doctor visits — enroll or wait?
    

Main Medicare Savings Program Levels

• QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
  • Usually the highest level of assistance. May help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
• View detailed California Medicare Savings Program chart and income limits (PDF)
  
• SLMB — Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
  • Usually helps pay the Medicare Part B premium.
• QI — Qualifying Individual
  • May also help pay the Medicare Part B premium for people with somewhat higher income.

Scroll down for more details about income limits, how to apply, and what documents you may need.

Who Should Apply?

• People with Medicare Part A and/or Part B
• People on fixed or limited income
• People whose Social Security check feels too small after the Part B deduction
• People who already have Medi-Cal
• People with a Medi-Cal Share of Cost
  • Reducing or eliminating Medi-Cal Share of Cost with insurance premiums
  • Medi-Cal Share of Cost worksheets and calculator

How Do You Apply?

In California, Medicare Savings Programs are generally handled through Medi-Cal.

You can apply:

• Online through BenefitsCal
• By phone through your county Medi-Cal office
  • Find your county Medi-Cal office
• By mail using the MSP application
  • Official California Medicare Savings Program information
• In person at your county office
• Download the Medicare Savings Program application (MC 14A PDF)

Prescription Drug Help

• Many people who qualify for a Medicare Savings Program may also qualify for Medicare Part D Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy or LIS) for prescription drugs.
  • Learn more here:
  • Medicare Part D Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy
    

Need Help?

• These programs can be confusing because Medicare, Medi-Cal, prescription drug coverage, and Share of Cost rules can overlap.
• If you would like help understanding your options,
  • email Steve Shorr Insurance.   [email protected]
    

Citations & Resources