SPECIAL LOW INCOME MEDICARE BENEFICIARY PROGRAM (SLMB or “Slimby”)

This program will pay the Medicare Part B premium ($96.40 or $110.50 per month in 2010) for people whose incomes are slightly more than the QMB criteria.  The 2010 SLMB eligibility guidelines are: $1,238 monthly income or less and $8,100 in assets for an individual, and $1,659 income or less and $12,900 in assets for a couple.  As with the QMB Program, an individual or couple may hold certain assets (house, car, burial fund, etc.) which may be exempt from consideration.  Applications are made for SLMB Program through the local Departments of Social Services.