How to apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Utah (QMB, SLMB, QI): help paying Medicare costs
Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Medicaid; eligibility decided by the Department of Workforce Services (DWS)
Who it's for
Utah has three Medicare cost-sharing programs for people with Medicare Part A and low income. The Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) program pays Medicare Part B premiums, deductibles, and Part A and Part B co-payments, and can also pay Part A premiums. The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB) program pays the Part B premium only, for people with income above 100% and not more than 120% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Qualifying Individual (QI) program pays the Part B premium for people with income above 120% and not more than 135% of the Federal Poverty Level who are not on Medicaid; QI funds are limited each calendar year. About three months after you qualify, the state starts paying your Part B premium and your Social Security check goes up, and Social Security pays you back for months a premium was taken out. Apply through the Department of Workforce Services online at myCase, by mail, by fax, or at a DWS office, or call 801-526-0950 in Salt Lake County or toll free 1-866-435-7414.
You must have Medicare Part A. QMB and SLMB can be combined with Medicaid, but QI cannot. QI is not an entitlement: when the year's funds are used up, no new applicants are approved. The program also has a resource limit; DWS makes the final decision.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat you'll need
- Call to ask what to bring; DWS will tell you what proofs you need after you apply
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-866-435-7414 (Salt Lake County 1-801-526-0950)
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Medicare Savings Programs in Utah (QMB, SLMB, QI): help paying Medicare costs. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need call to ask what to bring; DWS will tell you what proofs you need after you apply — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
annual review
Related programs
Other help that people in the same situation often look at.
- Medicare SavingsExtra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)Social Security Administration / Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Medicare SavingsQualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services / state Medicaid agencies
- Health CoverageUtah Medicaid for people who are aged (65+), blind, or disabledUtah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Medicaid; eligibility decided by the Department of Workforce Services (DWS)
- HealthcareCommunity Health Center Sliding Fee DiscountHealth Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Health Center Program (delivered by local community health centers)
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.