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Last Updated:
6/30/2010
Medicaid is a jointly run and funded Federal-State health insurance program for certain low-income and disabled persons. Medicaid eligibility is determined by the State. To qualify for Medicaid in 2006, an individual must have no more than $350/month in income and $2,500 in assets. A couple must have no more than $392/month income and $3,000 in assets.
If your income exceeds the limits stated above, you may still qualify for other programs such as Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) or Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB) or the Maryland Pharmacy Program. See additional information under the topic Medical Assistance on the Home Page of this website.
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB) pays the Medicare premiums (Part A & B), deductibles and coinsurance. To be eligible, the maximum income for an individual effective March 1, 2006 is $817 per month ($9,804 per year), $1,100 per month ($13,200 per year) for a couple. There is a $20 income disregard. The maximum asset is $4,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a couple.
The Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB) is similar to QMB but pays only the Part B premium ($88.50 in 2006). There are two SLMB levels. SLMB I has a maximum income of $979 per month for a single individual and $1,319 per month for a couple. SLMB II has a maximum income of $1,102 per month for a single individual and $1,484 per month for a couple. A $20 income disregard may be applied for both SLMB I and II. The maximum asset allowed is $4,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a couple for either SLMB I or II.
To apply for benefits in Maryland, contact the local Department of Social Services or the Area Agency on Aging.