Who qualifies
Medicare beneficiaries with limited income (typically up to about $1,800–$2,400/month single, more for couples — limits vary by state and program).
What you get
Four programs (QMB, SLMB, QI, QDWI) that pay your Part B premium ($185/month back in your pocket) and — at the QMB level — also wipe out Medicare deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Tips that matter
Many people who qualify never apply. The federal floor is generous; some states (NY, ME, CT, IN) raised limits even higher. Apply through your state Medicaid office, not Social Security.
How to apply
Find your state Medicaid office via medicaid.gov, or use BenefitsCheckUp.org for a screener.
State-level help on top of this
Most states layer their own programs on top of this federal one — pharmacy assistance, property tax relief, state Medicaid waivers. Pick your state to see what's available where you live.