Senior Listening

Losing QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) status can feel alarming, but you still have options. Here’s a clear breakdown of what typically happens next in Montana and what you can do right away. What QMB Ending Usually Means QMB helps pay:

• Medicare Part A & B premiums • Deductibles

• Coinsurance

• Copays If you received a notice that your QMB is ending, it usually means:

• Your income or assets are now above the program limit, or

• The state needs updated information, or

• There was a paperwork or renewal issue Read your notice carefully, Montana’s Medicaid office usually explains:

• Why your QMB is ending

• When it ends

• How to appeal

• Whether you may still qualify for another Medicare Savings Program (MSP) If the reason isn’t clear, you can call the number on the notice and ask for clarification or go to the local OPA office if there is one in your area. Check If You Still Qualify for Another MSP Even if QMB ends, you might still qualify for: Program, What It Pays, Income Limit (approx.): SLMB, Part B premium, Slightly higher than QMB QI, Part B premium, Higher than SLMB Many people who lose QMB still qualify for SLMB or QI, which at least keeps your Part B premium paid.

Appeal If You Think the Decision Is Wrong Montana allows you to appeal within a set timeframe (usually 30 days).

You can request:

• A fair hearing, and

• In some cases, continued benefits during the appeal.

If the issue was a paperwork error or missing documents, appealing can fix it quickly.

Reapply If Your Situation Changes If your income or assets recently went up but will go back down, you can reapply at any time.

Helpful Contacts

You can reach:

• Montana Medicaid/ DPHHS (number is on your notice)1-888-706-1535.

• SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) 1-800-551-3191.

• Local Office of Public Assistance They can walk you through your options and help with appeals or reapplications.