Medicare Savings Programs

Medicare isn’t free. You’ll still have some costs, such as monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. If you live in Indiana and have low income, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to help pay for some or all of these “out-of-pocket” expenses. Whether you’re already enrolled in Medicare or getting ready to sign up, an MSP can help make your health care costs more affordable. ## What are the Medicare Savings Programs? Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-run Medicaid programs that help people with low income pay for their Medicare costs. These costs include: - **Premiums**: Money you pay to keep your Medicare plan - **Deductibles**: Money you pay before Medicare pays for your care - **Copays**: A set fee you pay to visit your regular doctor or a specialist There are four MSPs, each with different eligibility rules. Older adults and younger adults with disabilities who may not qualify for full Medicaid may still be able to enroll in one of the MSPs. MSPs are available in every state, but not every type of MSP is offered in every state. Most MSPs are run by a state’s Medicaid office. In Indiana, MSPs are handled by the Division of Family Resources (DFR). ## What are the types of Medicare Savings Programs offered in Indiana? There are three types of MSPs available in Indiana: - **Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)**: This program has the lowest income limit and covers Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copayments for those eligible. - **Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)**: For those eligible, SLMB covers the Medicare Part B premium ($202.90 per month in 2026). - **Qualifying Individual (QI)**: QI is a limited program and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For those eligible, QI covers the Medicare Part B premium. **Special Needs Plans (SNPs)** You may also want to find out if you qualify for a Special Needs Plan (SNP). SNPs are a special type of Medicare Advantage plan for people who need extra help paying for and managing their care. You may qualify for an SNP if you meet one of the following conditions: - You have both Medicare and Medicaid (including QMB). - You have a serious and disabling chronic medical condition. - You live in a nursing home, or you live at home but have high care needs and could qualify for a nursing home. Call [1-800-633-4227](tel:1-800-633-4227) to see if an SNP plan is available where you live and if you qualify. ## Can I get help paying for my prescription drugs in Indiana? Once you're enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program, you will be signed up for the Medicare Part D [Extra Help program](https://benefitscheckup.org/medicare-rx-extra-help-application/). If you meet the guidelines for Extra Help, you will have a low (or no) deductible, a low (or no) premium, and no coverage gap. In general, you will pay much less for your prescriptions. You can learn more about Extra Help and even [apply on our website](https://benefitscheckup.org/medicare-rx-extra-help-application-prepare/). ## How do I know if I'm eligible for an MSP in Indiana? You must either be enrolled in Medicare or expect to enroll soon. Each Medicare Savings Program has its own income limit (the most income you can earn in a month to qualify). The monthly income limits for MSPs in Indiana are listed below and are effective as of April 1, 2026: **Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB):** Family size Maximum monthly income (at or below 150% FPL/+ $20 income disregard Individual $ 2,015 Couple $ 2,725 Source: [IN Dept of Insurance](https://www.in.gov/ship/help-paying-for-your-medicare-costs/) **Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB):** Family size Maximum monthly income ( at or below 170% FPL/+ $20 disregard) Individual $ 2,281 Couple $ 3,086 Source: [IN Dept of Insurance](https://www.in.gov/ship/help-paying-for-your-medicare-costs/) **Qualifying Individual (QI):** Family size Maximum monthly income (at or below 185% FPL/+ $20 disregard) Individual $ 2,481 Couple $ 3,356 Source: [IN Dept of Insurance](https://www.in.gov/ship/help-paying-for-your-medicare-costs/) To qualify for an MSP in Indiana, you must also have assets no greater than $9,950 (individual) or $14,910 (couple). [Learn more about MSP income limits](https://www.ncoa.org/article/medicare-savings-programs-eligibility-coverage). If you need help with your Medicare costs, you should apply for the MSPs—even if you think your income might be too high. Certain types of income are not counted, and the only way to know for certain if you qualify is to apply. ## How do I apply for the Medicare Savings Programs in Indiana? Follow the steps below to apply for the Indiana MSPs. **1. Gather important documents**. Before you apply, have the following information handy to make your application process easier: - The amount of income you get from jobs and other sources - Your assets, such as bank account and investment account - Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, and birth dates of everyone applying or in your household **2. Complete an application**. To apply for the Indiana Medicare Savings Programs, choose one of the options below: - **Apply by phone**: Call your local DFR office ([find your office here](https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/ebt-hoosier-works-card/find-my-local-dfr-office/)) and tell them you want to apply for the MSPs. - **Apply by mail or in person**: If you have a computer and a printer, you can [download the form](https://www.in.gov/ship/files/MSP_Application.pdf) and complete it at home. Mail the completed application to your local DFR office or drop it off in person. You will also need to have an MSP interview. The interview can take place in person or over the telephone. Within 45 days, you will receive a notice in the mail that tells you whether your Indiana Medicare Savings Programs application was approved. ## How can I get help with my Medicare Savings Programs application? To get help with your Indiana MSP application, you can: - Call your local DFR office ([find your office here](https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/ebt-hoosier-works-card/find-my-local-dfr-office/)). - Call the Indiana SHIP Office at [1-800-452-4800](tel:1-800-452-4800) or email [SHIPHELP@idoi.in.gov](mailto:SHIPHELP@idoi.in.gov) to find a local enrollment center. - Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. [See if there’s one in your area.](http://benefitscheckup.org/map) **NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. Call [1-800-794-6559](tel:+18007946559) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.**