Medicare Savings Programs in North Carolina
Direct answer: Medicare Savings Programs can help eligible North Carolina Medicare beneficiaries pay Medicare premiums and, depending on the program, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. Eligibility is determined under state-administered rules, so use current North Carolina standards rather than a generic national estimate.
Programs to know
The main federal categories are:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): can help with Part A and/or Part B premiums and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for Medicare-covered services.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): generally helps pay the Part B premium.
- Qualifying Individual (QI): generally helps pay the Part B premium and is subject to program funding rules.
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI): can help certain working people with disabilities pay the Part A premium.
State terminology and administration can differ. In North Carolina, program names include: MQB-Q, MQB-B and MQB-E (North Carolina terminology corresponding to QMB/SLMB/QI-type assistance).
Who administers the programs in North Carolina?
North Carolina Medicaid / NCDHHS is the key state administrator/source for current program standards and application information.
North Carolina uses the MQB program names listed above. Check the current NC Medicaid eligibility guidance or your local Department of Social Services for the rules and application process that apply to you.
Income and resource limits change
Do not use an old blog post or prior-year table to determine eligibility. Income/resource standards and disregards can change, and state methodology matters. Applicants should use the current official state source or ask the state agency/SHIP counselor to screen them.
QMB billing protection
People enrolled in QMB generally cannot be billed by Medicare providers for Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. Beneficiaries who receive an improper bill should contact their plan/Medicare and can ask SHIP for help.
Relationship to Extra Help
Medicare Savings Program eligibility can also affect eligibility for Extra Help with Medicare prescription-drug costs. Applicants should ask about both programs rather than assuming they are the same benefit.
Where to get help
- State program information/application: North Carolina Medicaid / NCDHHS
- Free Medicare counseling: North Carolina SHIIP
- Federal Medicare information: Medicare.gov
Return to the North Carolina Medicare hub.
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling
For independent Medicare counseling, contact North Carolina SHIIP. This public counseling resource is separate from Wise Owl and does not sell insurance.
How Wise Owl can help
Wise Owl Insurance Group can help North Carolina residents review Medicare choices through appropriately licensed agents. Wise Owl is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Plan availability, premiums, benefits, provider networks, formularies and service areas can change and vary by ZIP code and county. Confirm current information with Medicare.gov and the plan before enrolling.