Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help cover different costs
Medicare Savings Programs can help with Part A or Part B expenses. Extra Help addresses prescription drug costs under Part D. You may qualify for both; applying for help does not mean buying a new insurance plan. Eligibility depends on the program and your circumstances.
Which Medicare Savings Programs does Utah offer?
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Helps pay Part B premiums, covered Part A and Part B deductibles and cost sharing, and Part A premiums when applicable.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Helps pay the Part B premium.
- Qualifying Individual (QI): Helps pay the Part B premium. QI is not available to people receiving other Medicaid coverage. Funding is limited; future-year eligibility is not guaranteed.
These are Utah’s Medicare cost-sharing programs. The state determines eligibility and the program that applies to you. See Utah’s official program descriptions.
QI requires an application each year. States give priority to people who received QI in the previous year. Medicare’s federal income and resource figures are not a substitute for Utah’s eligibility determination. Read Medicare’s Savings Program guidance.
How to apply for help in Utah
- Start with Utah’s official medical benefits application instructions. Online, mail, fax and in-person options are listed there.
- Ask the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) about Medicare cost-sharing assistance. For application questions, Utah lists 1-866-435-7414.
- Respond to DWS requests for information and documents. DWS will explain what proof is needed and determine eligibility.
Use current application instructions instead of assuming an older income figure means you cannot qualify. Health Plan Assistants can explain coverage questions but does not approve government benefits.
Extra Help for prescription costs
Extra Help can reduce Part D premiums, deductibles and other drug costs. People with full Medicaid, state help paying Part B premiums, or Supplemental Security Income may qualify automatically. Others can apply through Social Security. Medicare’s drug-cost help page links to the application and explains eligibility.
Bring the right questions
Ask which program to apply for, what household information is needed, and whether eligibility changes your enrollment options. Keep program notices and confirm the effective date of any assistance before assuming a bill will be paid.
For local coverage help, visit our St. George office page or call (435) 466-7213. You can also review Medicare enrollment periods.
Official sources checked with AI assistance October 9, 2026 (UTC). Educational information; Utah and the applicable federal program determine eligibility.