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1992.03.12 :  Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program

Contact: Bob Hardy (202) 245-6145
March 12, 1992

     With 1992 federal poverty guidelines updated for the cost of
living, HHS Secretary Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., today urged poor
Medicare beneficiaries to apply for state assistance in paying
their Medicare expenses.
     Dr. Sullivan said beneficiaries with limited assets and
incomes at or below the poverty level can qualify under the
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program for state assistance in
paying their Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance.  "This
could save each qualified Medicare beneficiary hundreds, if not
thousands, of dollars annually in Medicare expenses," he said.
       The secretary said the Health Care Financing Administration,
which is responsible for administering the Medicare and Medicaid
programs, has a toll-free telephone hotline service that can advise
people of which office in their state to contact for information
about signing up for the QMB program.  The hotline number is 1-800-
638-6833.  An information packet is being distributed to media,
various advocacy groups and governmental agencies that serve the
poor.  HCFA has also published a new QMB brochure which will be
sent to people who request information.
       "We are engaged in a continuing effort to reach people
potentially eligible for the QMB assistance," Secretary Sullivan
explained. "Our initiatives, which have been underway for three
years, have included publication and distribution of information
and a mailing to 14 million Medicare beneficiaries potentially
eligible for the QMB program.
       "The elderly poor are among our most vulnerable citizens,
and we want them to be aware of this important benefit to help them
meet Medicare cost-sharing requirements," Secretary Sullivan said.
       For example, the Medicare Part B premium of $31.80 a month,
or $381.60 a year, can be paid by Medicaid if the Medicare
beneficiary is at or below the poverty threshold and the asset
limits.               Other savings for qualified Medicare
beneficiaries include the $652 hospital deductible for inpatient
care, the annual $100
Part B deductible and Part B coinsurance costs that can run to
thousands of dollars in event of serious illness.  Medicare pays 80
percent of approved charges for Part B services after the
deductible has been met. 
     The poverty guidelines for 1992 for all states except Alaska
and Hawaii are $6,810 in annual income for one person and $9,190
for a couple.  The income limits for Alaska are $8,500 for one
person and $11,480 for a couple while the limits for Hawaii are
$7,830 for one person and $10,570 for a couple.  Income includes
Social Security benefits, pensions and wages.  Interest payments
and dividends can also count as income.

     Additionally, financial resources such as bank accounts,
stocks, and bonds usually cannot exceed $4,000 for one person or
$6,000 for a couple.  When resources are considered, a personal
home, one automobile, burial plots, home furnishings, personal
jewelry and life insurance usually are not counted.

    Individuals who believe they may be eligible for the Qualified
Medicare Beneficiary benefit should contact their local Medicaid
office and ask about how to apply for the QMB program or the
"Medicare Buy-In" program.  Their state will determine their
eligibility for assistance.  


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