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What are the Georgia Medicare Savings Programs?
The Georgia Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state programs that help people with low income pay for their Medicare costs. There are four MSPs, each with different income and resource eligibility limits. 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 Georgia, MSPs are run by the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family & Children Services (DCFS), the department that runs the Medicaid program.
What are the types of Medicare Savings Programs offered in Georgia?
All four MSPs are available in Georgia:
- 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.
- Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI): This program is less common than the other three MSPs. It helps pay for the Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) premium. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A. But if you’re younger than 65 with a disability, and you returned to work (after collecting Social Security Disability benefits while out of work), you no longer qualify for premium-free Part A. QDWI does not cover the 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 (Part C) plan offering benefits that help a specific Medicare population. 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.
Different SNPs are available in different areas of the country. Learn more by contacting Georgia DCFS at 1-877-423-4746.
Can I get help paying for my prescription drugs in Georgia?
Once you're enrolled in a Georgia Medicare Savings Program, you will be signed up for the Medicare Part D Extra Help program. 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.
How do I know if I'm eligible for an MSP in Georgia?
In general, you must either be enrolled in Medicare or expect to enroll soon. Each program has its own income limit (the highest amount of income you can earn in a month or year to qualify) The monthly income limits for MSPs in Georgia are listed below and are effective as of March 1, 2025 (note that these limits include a $20 income disregard):
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB):
| Family size | Maximum monthly income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|
| Individual | $ 1,325 |
| Couple | $ 1,783 |
Source: Georgia Medicaid
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB):
| Family size | Maximum monthly income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|
| Individual | $ 1,585 |
| Couple | $ 2,135 |
Source: Georgia Medicaid
Qualifying Individual (QI):
| Family size | Maximum monthly income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|
| Individual | $ 1,781 |
| Couple | $ 2,400 |
Source: Georgia Medicaid
Qualifying Disabled Working Individual (QDWI):
| Family size | Maximum monthly income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|
| Individual | $ 5,302 |
| Couple | $ 7,135 |
Source: Georgia Medicaid
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 prepare to apply for the Georgia Medicare Savings Programs?
Before you apply, it may be helpful to gather the following information to make your application process easier:
- The amount of income you get from jobs and other sources
- Asset information, such as bank and investment account balances
- Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, and birth dates of everyone applying or in your household
How do I apply for the Medicare Savings Programs in Georgia?
There are a few different ways you can apply for the MSPs in Georgia. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.
APPLY ONLINE
The quickest and easiest way to apply for the Medicare Savings Programs and other public assistance benefits is online through your Georgia Gateway website.
All your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.
Apply at MyAccess Benefits Portal
APPLY BY MAIL, PHONE,OR IN-PERSON
You can call or visit your local DFCS office to get a paper application (form 700). You can also call your Georgia SHIP for MSP application help at 1-866-552-4464(select Option 4). SHIP counselors are available anytime Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
How can I get help with my Georgia Medicare Savings Programs application?
To get help with your application, you can:
- Call or visit your local DFCS office.
- Call Georgia SHIP at 1-866-552-4464.
- Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area.
NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.
