What Is Medicare SLMB and How Do I Qualify?
Explore the Medicare SLMB program, a key resource for low-income beneficiaries seeking help with their Part B premium costs.
The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program is a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) designed to assist individuals with limited financial resources. It helps eligible Medicare beneficiaries manage healthcare costs by covering specific expenses, providing valuable financial relief by easing the burden of Medicare premiums.
What SLMB Is
The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program helps pay for monthly Medicare Part B premiums. For many, this is a recurring expense that SLMB helps alleviate. In 2025, the Medicare Part B premium is $185 per month for most people, meaning SLMB can save beneficiaries $2,220 annually.
State Medicaid agencies administer the program under federal guidelines. While states manage the application and enrollment process, federal rules set core requirements and benefits. SLMB is distinct from full Medicaid benefits; qualifying for SLMB does not automatically grant eligibility for comprehensive Medicaid services. The program covers Medicare Part B premiums but not other Medicare costs like deductibles, co-payments, or co-insurance.
Who Qualifies for SLMB
To qualify for the SLMB program, individuals must be enrolled in or eligible for Medicare Part A, and their income and financial resources must fall within specific limits. These limits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and are updated annually. While federal guidelines provide baseline figures, states may set slightly higher income limits or waive asset limits.
For most states in 2025, the monthly income limit for an individual is approximately $1,585, and for a married couple, it is around $2,135. These figures generally include a $20 income disregard. Income considered includes Social Security benefits, pensions, and wages. Certain types of income, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, are typically excluded from the income calculation.
In addition to income, applicants must meet resource (asset) limits. For 2025, the resource limit for a single individual is typically $9,660, and for a married couple, it is $14,470. Countable assets generally include funds in checking and savings accounts, stocks, and bonds.
Several assets are commonly excluded from this calculation, including a primary residence, one vehicle, household furniture, personal belongings, and burial funds up to $1,500 per person. Gathering documentation such as bank statements, income verification, and proof of assets is necessary to demonstrate eligibility during the application process.
Applying for SLMB
The application process for the SLMB program is managed by each state’s Medicaid office or social services agency. Individuals should contact their state’s agency to inquire about specific application procedures, which can vary by state and may include options for online portals, telephone applications, or in-person visits.
Applicants will typically need to complete a designated application form. While some states may use a general Medicare Savings Program application, others might have state-specific forms. The form will require personal information, details about Medicare enrollment, and financial disclosures. It is crucial to ensure all sections are accurately completed and signed.
Supporting documentation is a required component of the application. This includes proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, Social Security benefit letters, or pension statements. Proof of assets, like bank statements and investment account summaries, will also be necessary.
Once the application and all required documents are prepared, they can be submitted via mail, online upload if available, or in person at the state’s Medicaid office. After submission, applicants typically receive a notification of their application status within 45 days. If approved, the notice will specify the effective date of benefits.
Distinguishing SLMB from Other Medicare Savings Programs
The SLMB program is one of several Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) designed to assist individuals with Medicare costs, each with distinct eligibility criteria and benefits. Understanding the differences between these programs helps clarify the specific role of SLMB.
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. It covers Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, as well as Medicare deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance. QMB generally has lower income limits than SLMB, typically at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The Qualifying Individual (QI) program also helps pay for Medicare Part B premiums, similar to SLMB. However, QI has slightly higher income limits than SLMB, usually ranging from 120% to 135% of the Federal Poverty Level. Unlike QMB and SLMB, the QI program is funded by a limited federal allocation, and applications are approved on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority often given to those who received QI benefits in the previous year.
SLMB’s specific focus on covering only the Medicare Part B premium positions it as an intermediate option for individuals whose income exceeds QMB limits but is still low enough to warrant assistance with this significant monthly expense. All MSPs, including SLMB, can also qualify beneficiaries for Extra Help, a program that lowers Medicare Part D prescription drug costs.