How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in North Carolina?

Steps to apply in North Carolina

1. Check that you have Medicare. MQB-Q needs Part A and Part B; MQB-B and MQB-E need Part A. If you aren't enrolled, contact Social Security. NC Medicaid's buy-in manual says it can pay the Part A premium for MQB-Q members who don't get premium-free Part A.
2. Choose how to apply. Online through ePASS, which needs an NCID (a state login you can create on the site); the application calls NC Medicaid "Medical Assistance." Or go to your county DSS: walk-ins are accepted at every office, and you can call to schedule an in-person or phone interview. You can also print the application and mail, email, fax or drop it off.
3. Gather your papers. Your Medicare card, Social Security award letter, pension or retirement statements, recent pay stubs if you work, and recent statements for bank, investment and life insurance accounts. NC Medicaid asks you to include copies of these documents if you have them.
4. Answer the county's requests. The county has 45 days to decide most MQB applications. If it asks for more proof, respond by the date on the letter.
5. Read the decision notice. MQB-Q starts the first day of the month after the decision, with no backdating. MQB-B and MQB-E can start up to three months before the month you applied, if you qualified then. Once NC Medicaid pays your Part B premium, it stops coming out of your Social Security check, which can take a few months to show up.

Tips that save time

• Apply even if you're unsure. NC Medicaid says you can apply any time of year and suggests applying if you aren't sure you qualify. The county checks you for every Medicaid program, including full NC Medicaid.
• Apply for Extra Help at the same time. If you apply for Extra Help through Social Security, it sends your information to the state to start an MQB application unless you opt out. See How do I apply for Extra Help in North Carolina?
• Don't wait on MQB-Q. Because it can't be backdated, each month you wait is a month of premiums and cost sharing you pay yourself.
• Need an interpreter? Ask the county DSS operator; NC Medicaid says language help is available at every office.

Use the savings programs screener for a quick estimate first. If you also want to review your Medicare plan after you're approved, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.

Related questions

Sources

• NC Medicaid — How to apply for NC Medicaid
• NCDHHS — Local DSS Directory
• NC Medicaid — MA-2130, Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries - Q (processing standard, start date) (PDF)
• NC Medicaid — MA-2140, Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries - B (PDF)
• NC Medicaid — MA-2410, Medicare Enrollment and Buy-In (PDF)
• Medicare.gov — Help with drug costs (Extra Help and MSP referral)

More questions in this guide

• Can a doctor bill me if I have QMB in North Carolina?
• How do I apply for Extra Help in North Carolina?
• QMB vs. SLMB vs. QI in North Carolina
• What are the Medicare Savings Program income limits in North Carolina?
• What assets count for Medicare Savings Programs in North Carolina?
• What is MQB in North Carolina Medicaid?

Part of the guide: Medicare Savings Programs in North Carolina · All questions

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