What is QMB?
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries program (QMB) is a Medicaid program administered by the Oregon Department of Human Services. QMB helps people with Medicare pay for their medical care. The federal government calls this program the Medicare Savings Program.
QMB has two benefit packages:
• QMB: Pays for your Medicare Part B premiums, deductible and co-insurance.
• SMB and SMF; Pays for your Medicare Part B premiums only.
SMF depends on federal funds and may not always be open to new clients.
Who is eligible for QMB?
To receive benefits from the QMB program you must be receiving Medicare Part A (hospital insurance benefits).
Your resources must fall within certain limits.
The allowed resource limit, not including the home in which you or your spouse lives, a car, a burial plot and a limited burial plan, is:
• $6,600 per individual, or
• $9,910 per couple
The allowed income limits are listed below. DHS starts with your gross income. DHS then subtracts $20 from your income. If you have any earned income, DHS subtracts more. Due to these deductions, you may be eligible for these programs even if your income is higher than the income limits listed.
QMB: $903 Single $1,215 Couple
SMB: $1,083 Single $1,457 Couple
SMF: $1,219 Single $1,640 Couple
How do I apply for QMB or get more information on this program?
If you would like more information or would like to apply for QMB, please contact an Information and Assistance Specialists for Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties at (503) 304-3420, or toll-free at 1-866-206-4799. For Clatsop and Tillamook counties you can call (503) 815-2060 or toll-free at 1-800-584-9712.
You can also email us at information.nwsds@nwsds.org.
