Who is eligible for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program?

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is aimed at individuals who have limited income and resources, specifically those whose income falls below the federal poverty level. This program is designed to assist these individuals by covering their Medicare premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing. Thus, the eligibility criteria focus primarily on income limits rather than age, student status, or simply being enrolled in a specific part of Medicare.

While age and enrollment status may play roles in a person's overall Medicare situation, they do not define eligibility for the QMB program. The core requirement is based on the financial criteria set forth by the program, which emphasizes the need for assistance in managing healthcare costs for those who fall below the established economic threshold.