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Low-Income Medicare in Illinois

Medicare, for most, is an affordable health insurance plan. However, those with low incomes may find themselves having trouble keeping up with many of the extra costs. Fortunately, there are plenty of state-based programs in Illinois that are designed to assist those who need it.

  1. Illinois Cares Rx Plus

    • Illinois Cares Rx Plus is a state pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP) that assists with Part D costs. The program covers almost all prescription drugs. As of 2010, an enrollee must make less than $27,610 a year if applying as an individual or $36,635 if married.

    Medicare Savings Program QMB

    • Illinois Medicaid offers a Medicare saving program called Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), which pays the Part A and B premium, plus any deductibles, coinsurance or co-payments. In 2010, an enrollee may not make over $903 monthly if single or $1,215 if a couple in order to qualify for QMB.

    Medicare Savings Program SLMB

    • The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program (SLMB) pays for the Part B premium. Those with monthly incomes below $1,083 if single or $1,457 if a couple in 2010 may qualify for SLMB.

    Medicare Savings Program QI

    • A limited number of beneficiaries may qualify for the Qualifying Individual (QI) program. This program pays for the Part B premium. In 2010, those with incomes less than $1,216 a month if single or $1,640 if a couple may qualify for QI.

    MSP Qualifications

    • For all programs, an enrollee must have less than $4,000 in assets if single or $6,000 if married.

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