SPECIAL LOW
INCOME MEDICARE BENEFICIARY PROGRAM (SLMB or “Slimby”)
This program will pay the Medicare Part B premium ($96.40
per month in 2008) for people whose incomes are slightly more than the QMB
criteria. The 2008 SLMB I eligibility
guidelines are: $868 - $1,040 monthly income and $4,000 in assets for an
individual, and $1,168 - $1,400 income and $6,000 in assets for a couple. The 2008 SLMB II eligibility guidelines are:
$1,041 - $1,170 monthly income and $4,000 in assets for an individual, and $1,401
- $1,575 income and $6,000 in assets for a couple. As with the QMB Program, an individual or
couple may hold certain assets (house, car, burial fund, etc.) that may be
exempt from consideration. Applications
are made for SLMB Program through the local Departments of Social Services,
using the standard Medical Assistance form.