If you are currently eligible for Medi-Cal and are turning 65, you may be eligible for Blue Shield Promise Cal MediConnect Plan (Medicare Medicaid Plan). Learn about Cal MediConnect

Four types of Medicare Savings Programs

If you have limited income and assets, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program to help you pay your Medicare costs

1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program:
What it helps pay for: 

  • Medicare Part A premiums
  • Medicare Part B premiums
  • Deductibles, coinsurance, copayments

2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program:
What it can help pay for:

  • Medicare Part B premiums

3. Qualifying Individual (QI) Program:
What it can help pay for: 

  • Medicare Part B premiums

4. Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program:
What it can help pay for:

  • Medicare Part B premiums

Paying for your Part D prescription drug costs

People with limited income may qualify for extra help to pay for their prescription drug costs. If eligible, Medicare could pay up to 100% of drug costs – including monthly prescription drug premiums, annual deductibles, and coinsurance. Additionally, those who qualify will not be subject to the coverage gap or a late-enrollment penalty. 

If you get extra help from Medicare to help pay for your Medicare prescription drug plan costs, the amount of extra help you get will determine your total monthly plan premium as a member of our plan.

Download the chart to see what your monthly plan premium will be if you get Extra Help. 

Download the chart: 

MAPD LIS Premium summary chart: English (PDF, 193 KB) / Español (PDF, 176 KB)
PDP LIS Premium summary chart: English (PDF, 98 KB) / Español (PDF, 73 KB)

How do I know if I qualify for Extra Help?

If you believe you qualify for Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) and are paying 100% of your premium, you can call:

  • (800) MEDICARE or (800) 633-4227 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY users should call (877) 486-2048, 24 hours a day/seven days a week.
  • The Social Security Office at (800) 772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY users should call (800) 325-0778, or go online to https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp.
  • Your state Medicaid office