The Poverty Institute works to develop and promote policies to improve the economic security of low- and modest- income Rhode Islanders and ensure that tax and budget policies are equitable and adequate to fund vital public services.
Medicare Premium Assistance Program These programs pay for some of the cost of Medicare for seniors and people with disabilities who are not otherwise eligible for Medical Assistance. People receiving Medicare pay a monthly premium (currently $96.40/month) that is usually deducted from their Social Security check. They also pay co-payments for doctor visits and a deductible for hospitalization. The amount of these costs covered by the Medicare Premium Assistance Program is determined by the applicant's income level as shown in the chart below.
Who Qualifies? • People that have Medicare Part A (elders receiving Social Security Retirement benefits; people who have received Social Security Disability benefits for two years).
• Must be citizen or qualified immigrant. Eligible immigrants include: refugee or person granted asylum. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) who entered the U.S. before 8/22/96 or if entered on/after 8/22/96 must be in status for at least 5 years. In addition, immigrants who were in lawful status in the U.S. before 8/22/96 and lived in RI at some time before 7/1/97 may be eligible for coverage.
Income and Resource Limits The resource limit is $4,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a couple. The home in which the person lives and a car used to get to medical treatment does not count.
*The income and resource limits for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB) and the Low-Income Aged/Disabled program described above are the same. Medical Assistance provides more comprehensive coverage, including prescriptions. MA can also pay for the Medicare premiums, co-pays and deductibles. Therefore, people will generally want to apply for Medical Assistance, and not just QMB.
How to Apply Apply at the local DHS office or click here to get the application online. To find the nearest office call DHS at (401) 462-5300 or see Where to Apply. For more information on the Medicare Premium Assistance Program click here to go to the DHS website.
A decision must be made within 30 days of application. If denied, the person can file a written appeal within 30 days of the date on the notice.
RI Legal Services (1-800-662-5034) may provide assistance to families who are denied benefits.
Monthly Income Guidelines Medicare Premium Assistance Programs (April 2011)
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