What Is Medicare?As an SSDI recipient you are eligible for Medicare. Medicare is a Federal Health Insurance Program. This insurance becomes available to you 24 months after you receive your first SSDI payment. Medicare Part A is hospital insurance and is free to SSDI recipients. Medicare’s Part B coverage pays for outpatient services with a premium cost of $96.40/month in 2008. Medicare Part D is a prescription drug coverage program and is available to enroll in at the same time as parts A and B. For more information please visit www.medicare.gov Medicare Buy-In Programs - Fact Sheet Please contact your Economic Support worker if you have any questions about your eligibility for any of the Medicare Buy-In Programs. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) is for people whose income is less then 100% of the Federal poverty level. If your income is below this amount, your Medicare premium will be paid by the state of WI. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) is for people whose income is less then 120% of the Federal poverty level. If your income is below this amount, your Medicare premium will be paid by the state of WI. Medical Assistance Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Plus (SLMB+) is for people whose income is less then 135% of the Federal poverty level.If your income is below this amount, your Medicare premium will be paid by the state of WI. |