Do You Need Medicare Part A and Part B for SLMB or QI?
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · Founder & Editor
Yes. Medicare says you must have both Medicare Part A and Part B to qualify for the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program (SLMB) or the Qualifying Individual program (QI). Both programs help pay the Part B premium, but neither is a substitute for enrolling in the Medicare coverage the program requires.
SLMB and QI enrollment requirements: key takeaways
- Medicare lists Part A and Part B as requirements for both SLMB and QI.
- SLMB and QI help pay the Part B premium; they do not pay Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments the way QMB does.
- QI requires a new application each year and is approved first-come, first-served, with priority for people who had QI the prior year.
- A state makes the final eligibility determination and may use rules more generous than the federal reference figures.
Why do SLMB and QI require both parts?
SLMB and QI are Medicare Savings Programs designed to help pay a person’s Part B premium. Medicare’s current program page expressly states that an applicant must have Part A and Part B to qualify for either one. The requirement makes sense because Part B is the premium these categories pay, but it is still important to confirm both enrollments before assuming an application will be approved.
How do SLMB and QI differ from QMB?
QMB is the most comprehensive common MSP category. It can help pay the Part A premium when applicable, the Part B premium, and Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. SLMB and QI pay the Part B premium only. Medicare’s MSP comparison lists the distinctions and the current federal reference limits.
What if you have Part A but not Part B?
Do not assume you qualify for SLMB or QI until you have verified your Part B enrollment and effective date. Medicare has enrollment periods and separate late-enrollment rules. If cost is the reason you have delayed Part B, ask the state about MSP screening and ask Medicare or Social Security about the appropriate enrollment path for your situation.
What should you check before applying?
- Look at your Medicare card or Medicare.gov account to confirm Part A and Part B enrollment.
- Gather your current income and resource information for the state application.
- Ask the state which MSP category it will evaluate and whether it has different income or resource rules.
- If you are considering QI, apply promptly and follow the state’s annual renewal instructions.
Use the MSP eligibility checker as a starting estimate, then apply through your state. The tool does not replace the state’s eligibility decision.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need Part A and Part B for SLMB?
Yes. Medicare says you must have both Part A and Part B to qualify for SLMB. SLMB helps pay the Part B premium.
Do you need Part A and Part B for QI?
Yes. Medicare says you must have both Part A and Part B to qualify for QI. QI helps pay the Part B premium.
Does SLMB pay Medicare copays and deductibles?
No. Medicare says SLMB helps pay the Part B premium. QMB is the Medicare Savings Program category that also helps pay Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Do you have to apply for QI every year?
Yes. Medicare says you must apply every year to stay in the QI program. States approve QI applications first-come, first-served, with priority for people who received QI the prior year.
Your next steps
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