For low-income seniors, Medicare offers programs to help reduce healthcare costs:
1. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs):
MSPs assist with Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. Florida offers three main MSPs:floridainsuranceguide.com+1medicareresources.org+1
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program: Helps pay for Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. In 2025, the monthly income limit is $1,325 for individuals and $1,783 for married couples, with resource limits of $9,660 and $14,470, respectively. medicare.gov
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program: Covers Part B premiums. Income limits are $1,585 per month for individuals and $2,135 for married couples, with the same resource limits as the QMB program. simplyhealthcareplans.com+2medicare.gov+2benefitscheckup.org+2
Qualifying Individual (QI) Program: Also assists with Part B premiums but is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Monthly income limits are $1,781 for individuals and $2,400 for married couples, with the same resource limits as above. benefitscheckup.org+1medicare.gov+1medicare.gov
2. Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) Program:
This federal program helps pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Eligibility depends on income and resource limits, which are slightly higher than those for MSPs. In 2025, individuals with annual incomes below $22,590 and married couples below $30,660 may qualify. ncoa.orgfloridainsuranceguide.com+3medicare.gov+3simplyhealthcareplans.com+3medicare.gov
Application Process:
Medicare Savings Programs: Apply through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF):
Extra Help Program: Apply through the Social Security Administration:simplyhealthcareplans.com
Online: Visit the SSA's Extra Help page. medicareinteractive.org+5medicare.gov+5ncoa.org+5
By Phone: Call the SSA at (800) 772-1213.
For personalized assistance, contact the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program by calling the toll-free Elder Helpline at (800) 963-5337.
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