Help Paying Medicare Part B Premium in Indiana
Three Programs That Pay Your Part B Premium
The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026. For someone living on $1,500 a month in Social Security, that's more than 13% of their income. Indiana runs three programs that can eliminate this cost entirely:
QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) — Pays Part B premiums, Part A premiums (if owed), and all deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Income limit: $2,015/month single, $2,725/month couple.
SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) — Pays the Part B premium only. Income limit: $2,281/month single, $3,086/month couple.
QI (Qualifying Individual) — Also pays the Part B premium only. Income limit: $2,481/month single, $3,356/month couple.
All three programs share a resource limit of $9,950 (single) or $14,910 (couple).
How the Premium Stops Coming Out of Your Check
Once DFR approves your application, the state transmits a buy-in file to CMS, which updates Social Security's records. SSA then stops withholding the Part B premium from your monthly check.
This doesn't happen overnight. The inter-agency processing typically takes 60 to 90 days. During that waiting period, the premium keeps coming out. When SSA finally processes the buy-in, they issue a lump-sum refund covering every premium withheld since your MSP effective date.
If you're approved for SLMB or QI, the effective date can go back up to three months before your application month (if you were eligible during those months). QMB is prospective only — coverage starts the first day of the month after approval.
You Probably Qualify Even If You Think You Don't
The most common reason families don't apply is the assumption that their income is too high. Indiana sets its MSP income thresholds significantly above the federal floor:
- Federal QMB minimum: 100% FPL ($1,343/month in 2026)
- Indiana QMB limit: 150% FPL ($2,015/month)
That difference means a senior earning $1,800 a month — who would be denied in a state using federal minimums — qualifies for QMB in Indiana. And at $2,400 a month, they still qualify for QI.
DFR also applies income disregards: a $20 general exclusion is applied to unearned income first, followed by a $65 earned-income exclusion and a 50% disregard on remaining wages. If the $20 exclusion is already used on unearned income, a $600-a-month part-time job adds about $267.50 to countable income.
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Where to Apply
Applications go through DFR, not through Medicare or Social Security:
- Online: fssabenefits.in.gov
- Phone: 1-800-403-0864
- In person or by mail: Your local county DFR office
You'll need your Medicare card, Social Security benefit award letter (showing the gross amount), bank statements, and Indiana ID. If an adult child is managing the application, file State Form 55366 (Authorized Representative for Health Coverage) or provide another accepted legal authorization, such as a Power of Attorney or guardianship order.
The Indiana Medicare Savings Programs Guide includes an income calculation worksheet and covers the full process from application to premium refund.
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