Food Stamps and the Medicare Savings Program
To assist seniors with a number of questions that they may have about programs that assist individuals with limited income, the Best Times interviewed Charlene Correll, Supervisor in the Elderly and Disabled Division at the Johnson County office of Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) regarding Food Stamps and the Medicare Savings Programs.
The Application/Redetermination for Health Care Coverage and Food Stamps for Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (often called the Medicaid Application) allows you to request Food Stamps and the Medicare Savings Programs. What are the current financial eligibility requirements for these programs, and what benefits do these programs provide?
The MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAMS, QMB and LMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary and Low-income Medicare Beneficiary), have slightly different rules.
The resouce (assets) limits are $4,000 for a single person and $6,000 for a married couple.
The income limit for QMB is $867 for one person and $1,167 for two.
The benefits are: payment of the Medicare Part B premium, and the Medicare co-insurance and deductibles.
The income limit for LMB is $1,170 for one person and $1,575 for two. The benefit is payment of the Medicare Part B premium only.
The FOOD STAMP PROGRAM has resource limits of $2,000 for one, $3,000 for 2 and $3,000 for any household containing someone over age 60 or disabled. The maximum gross income (before deductions) is $1,127 for one person and $1,517 for 2.
The maximum food stamp benefit is $176 per month for one person and $323 for 2. Many factors are considered in determining the amount of the benefit for food stamps, including shelter costs, medical expenses, type and amount of income, etc.
Benefits and eligibility criteria change slightly every year. For more information, contact the Johnson County SRS office at 913-826-7300; statewide 1-800-766-9012.
Or call Johnson County Aging Information at 913-715-8861. To locate Area Agencies on Aging elsewhere in Kansas and nationwide contact the Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116.
Also see www.srskansas.org or www.agingkansas.org
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