Medicare Supplements

United American has been a prominent Medicare Supplement insurance provider since Medicare began in 1966. Additionally, we’ve been a long-standing participant in the task forces working on Medicare Supplement insurance policy recommendations for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Insurance Products

When you become a United American policyholder, you gain freedom of choice. Our products allow you to keep your choice of trusted doctors and hospitals. 

Group Insurance

United American Insurance Company has been a market leader in providing insurance to employer and union group sponsors for 25 years.

Careers

United American has been underwriting life and health insurance since 1947. Thousands of independent agents/agencies have found success selling our life, health, and Medicare Supplement policies.

Resources

One of the many things United American is well-known for is our superior customer service. When it comes to your health, we believe education, service, and support are vital. With our experience and stability, we’re the Company that does what it says it will do.

File A Claim

Because of our 50+ years of experience in providing life, supplemental health and Medicare Supplement insurance, United American offers superior customer service to both our agents and customers.  Never stress about your claim status with our online claim tracker. Need more help? Let one of our licensed agents assist you.

Contact

At United American, we only provide knowledgeable and licensed agents to service you. Say goodbye to wasted hours spent on hold and bid good riddance to talking to artificial intelligence. Hear a live voice or get one-on-one time with one of our licensed agents today.

What is the Medicare Savings Program?

What is the Medicare Savings Program?

What are Medicare Savings Programs?

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), also known as Medicare Buy-In programs or Medicare Premium Payment Programs,1 are federally funded programs that help people with limited income and resources pay for some or all of their Medicare premiums, deductibles, copayments, and more.2 To qualify for a MSP, individuals must:

  • Meet standard income and resource requirements
  • Reside in a state or in the District of Columbia
  • Be age 65 or older
  • Receive Social Security Disability Benefits, OR
  • Have a certain disability or permanent kidney failure (even if under age 65)3

 

However, with these requirements in mind, it is worth noting that the available types of MSPs vary by state, meaning that requirements differ from one state to the next and from one type of MSP to the next.

Types of Medicare Savings Programs

There are four different kinds of MSPs offered in the United States.4 All of these programs have different benefits and qualifications for enrollment, and may even have additional requirements as issued by their respective state. The available MSPs are as follows:

  • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
  • Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
  • Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
  • Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program

 

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program

The QMB Program allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive aid from their state to put towards Medicare Part A premiums, Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.5

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program

The SLMB Program allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive help from the state to pay towards Medicare premiums. However, unlike the QMB Program, the SLMB Program only helps Medicare beneficiaries pay for Part B premiums.6

Qualifying Individual (QI) Program

Like the SLMB Program, the QI Program helps individuals pay for ONLY Medicare Part B premiums. However, unlike previous programs, QI applications are granted on a “first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to people who got QI benefits the previous year.”7 However, you are not eligible to receive QI benefits if you qualify for Medicaid.8

Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program

The QDWI Program helps Medicare beneficiaries pay for Part A premiums with the help of the state. Though one of the less common MSPs available, the QDWI Program is essential to those under 65 who have a “disabling impairment” and continue to work.9

Conclusion

In summary, while Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) differ, all of the programs available are designed to help people with limited income and resources care for themselves by paying for some or all of their Medicare expenses. However, what MSP you qualify for will depend entirely on what’s available to you within your state, your income, your age, and your disabilities status. For more information on Medicare Savings Programs, please visit Medicare.gov, the official U.S. government site for Medicare.

Your style is your choice. Shouldn't your doctor and your coverage be, too?

Learn more about Medicare Supplement insurance options.

Sources:
1 Medicare Interactive, Medicare Savings Program basics, 2019
2 Benefits.gov, Social Security Medicare Savings Program, n.p.
3 Benefits.gov, Social Security Medicare Savings Program, n.p.
4 Medicare.gov, Medicare Savings Programs, n.p.
5 Medicare.gov, Medicare Savings Programs, n.p.
6 Medicare.gov, Medicare Savings Programs, n.p.
7 Medicare.gov, Medicare Savings Programs, n.p.
8 Medicare.gov, Medicare Savings Programs, n.p.
9 Medicare Interactive, QDWI (Qualified Disabled Working Individual, 2019