Aging Answers
Making the Most of Connecticut’s Medicare Savings Program
Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) help to pay some of the out-of-pocket costs of Medicare that can result in substantial savings for eligible Medicare participants. In Connecticut, the Department of Social Services (DSS) administers three MSPs:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), which pays both Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and co-insurances.
- Special Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) pays Medicare Part B premiums (currently $202.90 per month)
- Additional Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (ALMB) – This program pays for Part B premiums only. This program is subject to available program funding and is not available to Medicaid recipients.
Unlike many other states, Connecticut does not count assets in the Medicare Savings Program application and instead bases program eligibility on gross income. Cost savings derived from participation in any of the MSPs result in less money being deducted from the beneficiary’s monthly Social Security payment. Those savings can then help offset the costs of other necessities such as housing, transportation, food, heating, or medication.
Despite the considerable savings available through these programs, many eligible people are not enrolled. According to the National Council on Aging’s Benefits Participation Map, only 46% of eligible residents participate in Connecticut’s Medicare Savings Program.
The CT DSS receives many calls about MSP applications and renewals from residents seeking to understand their benefits and how they coordinate with Medicare. These questions and situations are well-suited for the CHOICES and Aging Answers specialists at each of Connecticut’s five Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).
Last year the CHOICES program assisted in over 2,000 Medicare Savings Program applications and over 500 recertifications across the state,” said Claire Volain, Director of CT’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) under the Bureau of Aging, Connecticut Aging and Disability Services. “Not only can our counselors help you apply and recertify your benefit, we can also help you understand your benefits and how to use Connecticut’s great program.”
Connect with an Aging Answers or CHOICES specialist at a local Area Agency on Aging by calling 1-800-994-9422. This number is also located on the back of the annual “Medicare and You” book. Callers will be directed to the correct AAA location by entering their zip code. AAAs receive an average of 110 calls per day through this number and are ready to help all callers make the right CHOICES about Medicare and CT’s Medicare Savings Program.
