If You Can't Afford Medicare Payments:
If you can't afford to pay your share of Medicare payments, such as the monthly Part B premium, there are other programs besides Medicaid that can help you. They include the:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program.
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program.
• Qualifying Individuals 1 (QI-1) Program.

These programs help people with very limited income pay for Medicare coverage. To qualify, you must meet certain income and resource guidelines. If you think you might be eligible for one of these programs, you can contact your local social services department for more information. The telephone number is in the blue government section of your local telephone directory. You can also call Medicare at 800-633-4227.

Resources:
AARP has more information on Medicare Savings Programs on its website at www.aarp.org/contacts/money/qmb.html . AARP's Public Benefits Outreach Program at www.aarp.org/pbo or contact AARP at 800-424-3410.