Get Help Paying Medicare Costs

If you are a Massachusetts resident on Medicare with limited income, you may qualify for help paying your Medicare costs through Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), previously known as MassHealth Buy-In (MHBI).

The Facts about MSPs

• MSPs are not insurance plans. They are programs that help lower your Medicare premiums and other healthcare costs, including prescriptions.
• It is easy to apply! It takes just 5 minutes and you could save thousands of dollars.
• These programs are run by MassHealth, but you do NOT need to be on MassHealth to apply.

More questions?

Call:

MassHealth Customer Service: [phone], TDD/TTY: 711

SHINE counselor:  Call MassOptions at [phone], TTY/ASCll [phone]

or read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in the Additional Resources section below.

Do I qualify for MSPs?

If your income is at or below 225% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for an MSP. To see what the income limits are, refer to the FPL chart.

How to Apply

The application takes just 5 minutes!

To Apply by Mail

To apply for the Medicare Savings Programs by mail, fill out the application and follow the instructions: English PDF | English Text version | Spanish PDF | Spanish Text version

To Apply Online

If you prefer, you can fill in and submit the Medicare Savings Programs application online using any version of Adobe Acrobat, including the free version of Adobe Reader. (Adobe Reader - English) | (Adobe Reader – Spanish)

Once you have filled in all the required information, you will be able to submit your application electronically.  You must include a valid email address to complete the application. Your email address will be sent to MassHealth but will not be included as part of your MassHealth case information.

Please note that you must complete this application in one sitting. If you are not able to do so, you can print the application, fill it in by hand, and mail or fax it to MassHealth.

Find the online application here: English | Spanish

Need help filling out an application?

• Get help filling out your application from a MassHealth Customer Service Representative, available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and can be reached at  [phone], TDD/TTY: 711.
• Or, schedule an appointment with a SHINE Counselor to get answers to your questions about coverage and benefits. They will help you understand your options and make the decision that’s right for you. To find a SHINE counselor near you, call MassOptions at [phone] or find one online.

Types of Medicare Savings Programs

Types of Medicare Savings Programs

There are two levels of Medicare Savings Programs, depending on your income.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB)

• MassHealth pays for the Medicare Part A premium if you have one (most people do not).
• MassHealth also pays for the Medicare Part B premium and pays for some of the costs of things like copays, deductibles, and/or premiums.
• Your medical provider can’t bill you for Medicare copays and deductibles. This includes Medicare Advantage Plan providers. But you can still be charged a pharmacy copay.
• You’re enrolled in Health Safety Net for coverage at acute care hospitals and community health centers (CHCs).
• You’re enrolled in Medicare Part D Extra Help for help with the costs of prescription drugs.

Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiaries and Qualifying Individuals (SLMB/QI)

• MassHealth pays for the Medicare Part B premium.
• You’re enrolled in Health Safety Net for coverage at acute care hospitals and CHCs.
• You’re enrolled in Medicare Part D Extra Help for help with the costs of prescription drugs.

Benefits	QMB	SLMB/QI
Pays your Medicare Part A premium	Yes	No
Pays your Medicare Part B premium	Yes	Yes
Comes with Health Safety Net (HSN) coverage at acute care hospitals and CHCs	Yes	Yes
Helps you with prescription drug costs by automatically enrolling you in Medicare Part D Extra Help	Yes	Yes
Pays all costs of your Medicare Part A and Part B covered services like Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copays	Yes	No
MassHealth card	Show your Medicare and MassHealth cards so providers know that you’re in the QMB Program.	NA

Whether you’re  eligible for QMB or SLMB/QI depends on your income.

If your monthly household income is*	You may be able to get
Below or equal to  190% FPL	QMB
Between or equal to 225% FPL	SLMB/QI

To see the current income limits,* go to mass.gov/info-details/program-financial-guidelines-for-certain-masshealth-applicants-and-members.

*Income limits change each year on March 1.

You may qualify for both an MSP and MassHealth if all of the following apply to you.

• You have Medicare.
• Your total household income is less than or equal to 225% FPL.
• For certain MassHealth benefits, you must meet the MassHealth countable asset limits of $2,000 for single applicants and $3,000 for married couples.

Please call us at [phone], TDD/TTY: 711 to learn more about MassHealth Standard, or visit the MassHealth coverage types for individuals and families including people with disabilities.

Flyers, Posters, and Communication Materials for Medicare Savings Programs

Do you work with Medicare beneficiaries? Help us get the word out about MSPs with our communications toolkit. The toolkit includes printable flyers, posters, social media posts, and more

Sample Social Media Posts and Graphics: PNG

Last updated:	May 8, 2025