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Medicare isn’t free. You’ll still have some costs, such as monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. If you live in Florida and have a low income, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to help pay for some or all of these “out-of-pocket” expenses. MSPs can make Medicare more affordable for people who are already enrolled—or getting ready to sign up.
What are the Medicare Savings Programs?
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 Florida, MSPs are run by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
What are the types of Medicare Savings Programs offered in Florida?
There are three types of MSPs available in Florida:
- 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 ($185 per month in 2025).
- 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 offering benefits tailored to 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 Florida SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) at 1-800-963-5337.
Can I get help paying for my prescription drugs in Florida?
Once you're enrolled in a 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 Florida?
In general, you must either be enrolled in Medicare or expect to enroll soon. Each Medicare Savings Program has its own income limit (the maximum amount of income you can earn in a year to qualify). The monthly income limits for MSPs in Florida are listed below and are effective as of April 1, 2025:
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB):
| Family size | Maximum monthly income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|
| Individual | $ 1,305 |
| Couple | $ 1,763 |
Source: Florida DCF
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB):
| Family size | Maximum monthly income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|
| Individual | $ 1,565 |
| Couple | $ 2,115 |
Source: Florida DCF
Qualifying Individual (QI):
| Family size | Maximum monthly income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|
| Individual | $ 1,761 |
| Couple | $ 2,380 |
Source: Florida DCF
Note: To qualify for an MSP in Florida, you must also have assets no greater than $9,660 (individual) or $14,470 (couple).
Learn more about MSP income limits. 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 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
- Your assets, such as bank account 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 Florida?
There are two main ways you can apply for the MSPs in Florida. 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 the MyAccess benefits portal. In the application, you’ll be asked what benefits you’re applying for—choose the Medicare Savings Program (or “Medicare Buy-In / MSP”) application or indicate you want help with Medicare costs.
All your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.
Apply at MyAccess Benefits Portal
APPLY BY MAIL
To apply by mail, you must first download, print, and complete an application from the DCF website. The applications for MSPs are available in English, Spanish, and Creole.
Once you have printed and completed the application, mail it to your local DCF Family Resource Center.
How can I get help with my application?
To get help with your application, you can:
- Contact the DCF Customer Call Center at 1-850-300-4323 (Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-955-8771).
- Contact Florida SHINE at 1-800-963-5337 (1-800-955-8770 TTY).
- 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.
