What does the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program cover?

The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program is designed specifically to assist eligible individuals by paying for their Medicare Part B premiums. This program is aimed at helping those who may struggle to afford their Part B costs, which provide essential coverage for outpatient care, doctor visits, and other services that are not covered by Medicare Part A.

Participants in the SLMB program do not receive assistance for Medicare Part A premiums or for any long-term care facility charges, which means that they need to manage those costs independently. This focus on Part B premiums is crucial for low-income beneficiaries who might otherwise forgo necessary medical care due to financial concerns. Thus, the correct understanding of the SLMB program centers around its role in alleviating the financial burden associated with Medicare Part B, making it easier for eligible beneficiaries to access critical healthcare services.