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New Jersey has added a third Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to help low-income Social Security recipients who are enrolled in Medicare afford their Medicare Part A and Part B premiums. If you qualify, an MSP will cover the Medicare premium on your behalf, and the amount of the premium will be added back into your monthly Social Security benefit.

Before this year, New Jersey had two MSPs, known as SLMB and SLMB QI-1. The income limits for those programs are higher than the income limit for Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) Medicaid. The asset limits for the MSPs are higher as well, and allow the enrollees to have up to $8,400 in resources ($12,600 for a couple). However, unlike ABD Medicaid, recipients of SLMB and SLMB QI-1 still pay Medicare deductibles and co-insurance.

Starting on January 1, 2022, New Jersey added Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB). The income limits for QMB are lower than the SLMB programs: $1,133/month gross income per individual and $1,526/month per couple, the same as ABD Medicaid. The difference is that the asset limits are higher: $8,400 per individual and $12,600 for a couple. Like the other MSPs, QMB pays the Part A and Part B premiums on behalf of enrollees, but QMB enrollees do not have to pay the Medicare deductible or co-insurance amounts.

How do I apply?

Enrollees on SLMB who qualified for QMB were automatically enrolled in the new program. The state sent a notification in March about the change to everyone affected. A letter for  doctors and other providers was also included, explaining that they cannot bill QMB recipients.

If you want to apply for a MSP, fill out the NJ-SAVE application. You may also reach the Health Care Access Project through the LSNJLAW^SM statewide Hotline at www.lsnjlawhotline.org or 1-888-576-5529 if you have any questions about the QMB program or other MSPs. ​​

This information last reviewed: Jun 2, 2022