What are Maryland Medicare Income Limits?

Did you know that thousands of Maryland residents miss out on Medicare savings programs simply because they don’t understand the income limits? If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility or already enrolled, knowing these thresholds could save you hundreds of dollars each month.

Maryland’s Medicare income limits determine whether you qualify for programs that help cover premiums, deductibles and copayments. These limits vary based on your household size and the specific assistance program you’re applying for. With healthcare costs rising faster than ever, understanding these financial guidelines isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for protecting your retirement budget.

Whether you’re planning for Medicare or trying to reduce current healthcare expenses, you’ll need to navigate Maryland’s specific income requirements. The good news? Once you understand how these limits work, you can make informed decisions about your coverage and potentially unlock significant savings.

Understanding Medicare Income Limits in Maryland

You’re probably wondering why these income limits matter so much. Here’s the deal – they’re the gatekeepers to thousands of dollars in potential savings on your healthcare costs.

Medicare income limits in Maryland work like a sliding scale. The more you earn, the less assistance you qualify for. It’s that simple.

Think of it like a ladder where each rung represents a different savings program. Your income determines which rung you can reach.

Key Medicare Savings Programs

Four main programs help Maryland residents save on Medicare costs:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) – Covers Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and copayments
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) – Pays Part B premiums only
• Qualifying Individual (QI) – Covers Part B premiums with limited funding
• Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) – Helps disabled workers under 65

Each program has specific income thresholds that change annually. Missing the cutoff by even $1 disqualifies you from that program’s benefits.

2024 Income Thresholds

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. These numbers determine your eligibility:

Program	Individual Monthly Income	Couple Monthly Income	Asset Limit (Individual)	Asset Limit (Couple)
QMB	$1,275	$1,724	$9,430	$14,130
SLMB	$1,529	$2,067	$9,430	$14,130
QI	$1,715	$2,320	$9,430	$14,130
QDWI	$4,615	$6,189	$4,000	$6,000

These limits represent 100%, 120%, 135%, and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level respectively.

How Income Gets Calculated

Not all income counts the same way. Maryland follows federal guidelines but applies them with some flexibility.

Countable income includes:

• Social Security benefits
• Pension payments
• Wages from work
• Interest and dividends
• Rental income

Non-countable income includes:

• Food stamps (SNAP benefits)
• Home energy assistance
• First $20 of most income
• Half of earned income after $65

The state also allows certain deductions like medical expenses and health insurance premiums. These deductions can make the difference between qualifying and missing out.

Asset Considerations

Your savings and property matter too. Maryland counts most assets but excludes:

• Your primary home
• One vehicle
• Household goods
• Burial plots
• Life insurance with face value under $1,500

Bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and second properties count toward your asset limit. Even that old savings bond from grandma counts.

Remember, Maryland reviews these limits every January. What qualifies you today might not work next year. Stay ahead of the game by checking annually.

Medicare Premium Adjustments Based on Income

Your Medicare costs aren’t set in stone – they actually change based on how much money you make. If you’re earning above certain thresholds, you’ll pay more for your Medicare Part B and Part D coverage through something called IRMAA.

Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)

Ever wonder why your neighbor pays more for Medicare than you do? It’s probably because of IRMAA.

IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, and it’s basically Medicare’s way of saying “Hey, if you’ve got more money, you’re gonna chip in a bit more.” Makes sense, right?

Here’s the deal: IRMAA kicks in when your income exceeds $103,000 as an individual or $206,000 as a married couple filing jointly (2024 numbers). Once you cross that line, you’re looking at higher premiums for both Part B and Part D.

The government looks at your tax return from two years ago. So in 2024, they’re checking out what you made in 2022. Kind of like they’re always playing catch-up with your finances.

IRMAA impacts your Medicare in two ways:

• Part B premiums jump from the standard $174.70 to as much as $594 per month
• Part D premiums add an extra $12.90 to $81 monthly on top of your plan’s regular cost

Now here’s something that catches folks off guard – IRMAA can sneak up on you. Maybe you sold a house, cashed out some investments, or had a really good year at work. Boom! Two years later, you’re paying more for Medicare.

The good news? You can appeal if your income drops significantly due to life-changing events like retirement, divorce, or losing a spouse. Medicare calls these “life-changing events,” and they’ll actually reconsider your premium if you’ve had one.

Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Thresholds

Let’s talk numbers – the real nitty-gritty of when you’ll start paying more.

Medicare uses your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to figure out if you owe IRMAA. Your MAGI includes your adjusted gross income plus any tax-exempt interest you earned. Pretty straightforward, actually.

Here’s where Maryland residents (and everyone else) fall on the 2024 IRMAA scale:

Filing Status	MAGI Range	Part B Monthly Premium	Part D Monthly Add-On
Individual	$103,000 or less	$174.70	$0
Individual	$103,001 – $129,000	$244.60	$12.90
Individual	$129,001 – $161,000	$349.40	$33.30
Individual	$161,001 – $193,000	$454.20	$53.80
Individual	$193,001 – $499,999	$559.00	$74.20
Individual	$500,000+	$594.00	$81.00
Married Filing Jointly	$206,000 or less	$174.70	$0
Married Filing Jointly	$206,001 – $258,000	$244.60	$12.90
Married Filing Jointly	$258,001 – $322,000	$349.40	$33.30
Married Filing Jointly	$322,001 – $386,000	$454.20	$53.80
Married Filing Jointly	$386,001 – $749,999	$559.00	$74.20
Married Filing Jointly	$750,000+	$594.00	$81.00

See how it works? The more you make, the more you pay. It’s like a staircase – each income bracket is another step up in premiums.

What really gets people is when they’re just barely over a threshold. Making $103,001 instead of $103,000? That’s gonna cost you an extra $70 per month for Part B and another $12.90 for Part D. That’s over $990 more per year for earning just one extra dollar!

Smart planning can help you avoid these cliff edges. Maybe you delay taking money from your IRA, or you bunch your charitable deductions. Tax planning isn’t just about April 15th anymore – it’s about managing your Medicare costs too.

Remember, these thresholds change every year with inflation. What puts you in IRMAA territory today might not tomorrow. Or vice versa – inflation might push you into a higher bracket even if your actual income stays the same.

The key takeaway? Keep an eye on your income as you approach Medicare age. Those last few working years and early retirement decisions can have a bigger impact on your healthcare costs than you might think.

Maryland Medicare Programs with Income Limits

Maryland offers several Medicare programs designed to help you manage healthcare costs when your income falls below specific thresholds. These programs can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by covering premiums, deductibles, and copayments that standard Medicare doesn’t fully address.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)

Let me tell you, after 25+ years in this business, I’ve seen countless folks miss out on thousands of dollars in savings simply because they didn’t know about MSPs. These programs are absolute game-changers for Maryland residents struggling with Medicare costs.

MSPs come in four flavors, each with different income limits and benefits. Think of them as a financial safety net that catches you when healthcare costs threaten to drain your bank account.

Here’s the breakdown for 2024:

Program Type	Individual Monthly Income	Couple Monthly Income	What It Covers
QMB	$1,275	$1,724	Part A & B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance
SLMB	$1,529	$2,067	Part B premiums only
QI	$1,719	$2,324	Part B premiums only
QDWI	$4,615	$6,189	Part A premiums for disabled workers

The beauty of these programs? They automatically renew each year as long as you stay eligible. No annual paperwork headaches like some other assistance programs.

You know what really gets me? People assume they make too much money without actually checking. Income calculations for MSPs exclude certain things like food stamps and housing assistance. So your actual countable income might be lower than you think.

Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)

Now here’s where things get really interesting. Extra Help (also called LIS) tackles those sky-high prescription drug costs that keep so many seniors awake at night.

This program can save you anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 annually on medications. And trust me, I’ve seen clients go from choosing between groceries and prescriptions to having breathing room in their budgets.

The 2024 income limits for Extra Help are:

• Singles: $1,843 monthly ($22,116 annually)
• Couples: $2,485 monthly ($29,820 annually)

But wait, there’s more! (I sound like an infomercial, don’t I?) Asset limits are pretty generous too:

• Singles: $17,220
• Couples: $34,360

Here’s the kicker – your home, car, and personal belongings don’t count toward these asset limits. Neither do burial plots or irrevocable burial contracts. Pretty sweet deal, right?

Extra Help covers:

• Monthly Part D premiums (up to the benchmark amount)
• Annual deductibles
• Coinsurance and copayments
• No coverage gap (that dreaded “donut hole”)

The application process is straightforward. You can apply online at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program

Alright, let’s dive deep into the crown jewel of Medicare Savings Programs – the QMB program. This is the most comprehensive assistance you can get, and boy, does it pack a punch.

QMB is like having a financial bodyguard for your Medicare costs. It covers practically everything Medicare doesn’t, turning your healthcare from a budget-buster into something manageable.

Here’s what QMB pays for:

• Medicare Part A premiums ($505 monthly in 2024 if you don’t qualify for free Part A)
• Medicare Part B premiums ($174.70 monthly for most folks in 2024)
• All Medicare deductibles (Part A: $1,632 per benefit period; Part B: $240 annually)
• All coinsurance and copayments for Medicare-covered services

The income limits I mentioned earlier ($1,275 for individuals, $1,724 for couples) are actually pretty reasonable when you consider what you’re getting. That’s 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, adjusted annually.

But here’s something crucial many people don’t realize: QMB protection extends beyond just payment help. Healthcare providers legally cannot bill you for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. It’s called “balance billing protection,” and it’s federal law.

I’ve had clients come to me in tears because doctors’ offices kept sending bills even though they had QMB. Know your rights! If a provider tries to bill you, show them your QMB card and remind them about the balance billing prohibition.

Asset limits for QMB in Maryland are:

• Individual: $9,430
• Couple: $14,130

These numbers exclude your primary residence, one vehicle, burial spaces, and up to $1,500 per person for burial expenses.

The application process involves contacting your local Department of Social Services or applying online through Maryland Health Connection. Documentation you’ll need includes:

• Proof of income (pay stubs, Social Security statements)
• Bank statements
• Medicare cards
• Photo ID
• Proof of Maryland residency

Processing takes about 45 days, but coverage can be retroactive up to three months before your application date. So don’t delay – every month you wait is money left on the table.

2024 Income Limits for Maryland Medicare Programs

Understanding the specific income thresholds for Maryland’s Medicare programs can mean the difference between paying full price and saving thousands on your healthcare costs. Let’s break down the exact numbers you need to know for 2024, whether you’re single or married.

Individual Income Thresholds

If you’re flying solo, here’s what you’re looking at for 2024. The numbers might surprise you – in a good way.

For the QMB program, your monthly income can’t exceed $1,275. That’s $15,300 annually. Pretty tight, right? But here’s the kicker – this program covers virtually everything Medicare doesn’t.

The SLMB program bumps up the limit to $1,529 monthly ($18,348 yearly). You’re getting help with Part B premiums at this level, which currently run $174.70 per month for most folks.

The QI program – that’s where things get interesting. You can earn up to $1,719 monthly ($20,628 annually) and still qualify. The catch? There’s limited funding, so it’s first-come, first-served.

QDWI has the highest threshold at $5,102 monthly ($61,224 yearly), but remember – this one’s specifically for disabled workers under 65.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Program	Monthly Income Limit	Annual Income Limit	Main Benefit
QMB	$1,275	$15,300	Covers premiums, deductibles, copays
SLMB	$1,529	$18,348	Part B premium assistance
QI	$1,719	$20,628	Part B premium assistance
QDWI	$5,102	$61,224	Part A premium assistance

Don’t forget about Extra Help for prescriptions either. You can earn up to $1,903 monthly ($22,836 yearly) and still get assistance with those pricey medications.

Married Couple Income Thresholds

Got a spouse? The income limits are more generous, but not exactly double what singles get.

For QMB, couples can earn up to $1,724 monthly ($20,688 annually). That’s only $449 more than the individual limit – not quite twice as much as you’d expect.

SLMB allows couples $2,066 monthly ($24,792 yearly). Again, it’s less than double the individual amount, but every bit helps when you’re stretching those retirement dollars.

The QI program lets couples earn up to $2,323 monthly ($27,876 annually). Remember, first-come, first-served rule? It applies to couples too.

QDWI jumps way up to $6,888 monthly ($82,656 yearly) for couples. That’s a significant increase from the individual limit.

Take a look at the comparison:

Program	Monthly Couple Limit	Annual Couple Limit	Increase from Individual
QMB	$1,724	$20,688	+$449/month
SLMB	$2,066	$24,792	+$537/month
QI	$2,323	$27,876	+$604/month
QDWI	$6,888	$82,656	+$1,786/month

Extra Help for couples? You’re looking at $2,589 monthly ($31,068 yearly). That’s a decent cushion for prescription coverage.

Here’s what gets me – these limits change every year, usually going up with inflation. But sometimes the increase is so small it barely makes a difference. Last year, some programs only went up by $20-30 per month.

One thing I’ve noticed after helping thousands of clients? People often assume they earn too much to qualify. Big mistake. You’d be amazed how many folks leave money on the table because they never bothered to check.

And here’s a pro tip – if you’re close to the limit, consider strategies to reduce your countable income. Contributing to an IRA, timing retirement account withdrawals, or adjusting when you claim Social Security can make the difference between qualifying and missing out.

Remember, these programs renew automatically once you’re in. So even if your income creeps up slightly, you might still keep your benefits. Maryland’s pretty good about not kicking people off for minor changes.

How Income Affects Medicare Costs in Maryland

Your income directly impacts how much you’ll pay for Medicare coverage in Maryland. The higher your earnings, the more you’ll shell out for premiums through a system called Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).

Part B Premium Adjustments

Let’s cut right to the chase – if you’re earning above $103,000 as an individual or $206,000 as a couple, you’re gonna pay more for Part B than the standard premium.

The standard Part B premium for 2024 sits at $174.70 per month. But here’s where it gets interesting (or painful, depending on your perspective).

Check out these income brackets and what you’ll actually pay:

Income Level (Individual)	Income Level (Couple)	Monthly Premium	Additional Cost
$103,000 or less	$206,000 or less	$174.70	$0
$103,001 – $129,000	$206,001 – $258,000	$244.60	$69.90
$129,001 – $161,000	$258,001 – $322,000	$349.40	$174.70
$161,001 – $193,000	$322,001 – $386,000	$454.20	$279.50
$193,001 – $499,999	$386,001 – $749,999	$559.00	$384.30
$500,000+	$750,000+	$594.00	$419.30

Pretty crazy, right? You could end up paying more than triple the standard premium if you’re in that top bracket.

Here’s the kicker – these adjustments are based on your income from two years ago. So if you’re retiring in 2024, Medicare’s looking at your 2022 tax return.

Part D Premium Adjustments

Your prescription drug coverage gets hit with IRMAA too. And honestly? It can sting just as much as those Part B increases.

The Part D IRMAA gets tacked onto whatever premium you’re already paying for your drug plan. So if your plan costs $30 a month, you’ll pay that PLUS the adjustment.

Income Level (Individual)	Income Level (Couple)	Monthly IRMAA
$103,000 or less	$206,000 or less	$0
$103,001 – $129,000	$206,001 – $258,000	$12.90
$129,001 – $161,000	$258,001 – $322,000	$33.30
$161,001 – $193,000	$322,001 – $386,000	$53.80
$193,001 – $499,999	$386,001 – $749,999	$74.20
$500,000+	$750,000+	$81.00

$81 might not sound like much compared to those Part B adjustments. But remember – this is ON TOP of your regular Part D premium.

Over 25 years in this business, I’ve seen folks get blindsided by these adjustments. They retire, their income drops, but Medicare’s still looking at those higher-earning years.

Prescription Drug Coverage Assistance

Here’s where things get a bit brighter if you’re struggling with medication costs.

Maryland offers the Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program that can slash your prescription costs to almost nothing. We’re talking copays as low as $1.55 for generics and $4.60 for brand names in 2024.

The income limits for Extra Help are actually pretty generous:

• Individuals: $1,903 per month
• Couples: $2,589 per month

But wait, there’s more (as they say in those cheesy commercials). If you qualify for any of Maryland’s Medicare Savings Programs – QMB, SLMB, or QI – you automatically get Extra Help. No separate application needed.

I’ve helped countless clients discover they qualified for this assistance when they thought they made too much. The key? Understanding what counts as income.

Social Security benefits, pensions, wages – yeah, those count. But here’s what doesn’t:

• Food stamps (SNAP)
• Housing assistance
• Energy assistance programs
• Disaster relief

The best part about Extra Help? It covers that pesky coverage gap (the donut hole) that can leave you paying full price for medications. With Extra Help, you keep paying those low copays all year long.

And here’s a pro tip from my years of experience – if you’re close to the income limit, it’s still worth applying. I’ve seen applications approved even when folks were slightly over because of special circumstances.

Qualifying for Medicare Assistance Programs in Maryland

Maryland offers several Medicare assistance programs that can significantly reduce your healthcare costs. Understanding how to qualify for these programs can mean the difference between struggling with medical bills and having affordable healthcare coverage.

Application Process and Requirements

Let’s cut to the chase – applying for Medicare assistance programs in Maryland isn’t as complicated as you might think. The Maryland Department of Health makes the process pretty straightforward, but you’ve got to know where to start.

First things first, you can apply online through the Maryland Health Connection website, by phone at 1-800-332-6347, or in person at your local Department of Social Services office. Pick whatever method feels most comfortable for you.

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before starting your application:

• Your Medicare card (both Part A and Part B numbers)
• Social Security award letter
• Bank statements from the last 3 months
• Proof of income (pay stubs, pension statements, etc.)
• Life insurance policies (if applicable)
• Utility bills showing your Maryland address

The application itself takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. Not too bad, right?

Once you submit your application, Maryland typically processes it within 45 days. Sometimes it’s faster, sometimes slower – depends on how busy they are. You’ll get a decision letter in the mail telling you if you qualified and for which programs.

Here’s a pro tip from my 25+ years in this business: apply for all the programs at once. Even if you think you might not qualify for the QMB program, apply anyway. I’ve seen plenty of folks surprised by what they actually qualified for.

If you get denied, don’t throw in the towel. You’ve got appeal rights, and about 30% of initial denials get overturned on appeal. The key is providing additional documentation or clarifying information they might have missed the first time around.

Asset Limits and Considerations

Let’s talk about something that trips up a lot of people – asset limits. Maryland’s Medicare assistance programs don’t just look at your income; they also check what you’ve got in the bank.

For 2024, the asset limits are:

• Individual: $9,430
• Married couple: $14,130

But here’s where it gets interesting. Not everything counts as an asset. Your primary home? Doesn’t count. One vehicle? Doesn’t count. Personal belongings and household items? You guessed it – they don’t count either.

What does count? Here’s the breakdown:

Countable Assets	Non-Countable Assets
Checking accounts	Primary residence
Savings accounts	One vehicle
Stocks and bonds	Personal belongings
Additional real estate	Burial plots
Cash value life insurance over $1,500	Term life insurance
Second vehicles	Household items

I’ve had clients panic because they thought their house would disqualify them. Nope! Maryland protects your primary residence, no matter its value.

Here’s something else that catches people off guard – money you set aside for burial expenses. If you’ve got a pre-paid burial contract or a burial fund of $1,500 or less, it won’t count against you. Smart move if you’re close to the asset limit.

Joint accounts can be tricky. If you share an account with someone who’s not your spouse, Maryland typically counts half the balance as yours. Unless you can prove the money belongs entirely to the other person – then you’ll need documentation showing that.

One strategy I’ve seen work? Spending down assets on legitimate expenses before applying. Need new hearing aids? A mobility scooter? Home repairs? These purchases reduce your countable assets while improving your quality of life. Just don’t give money away to qualify – that’s called asset transfer and can disqualify you for up to 5 years.

The asset test happens at the time of application and during annual reviews. So if you inherit money or sell property after qualifying, you’ve got to report it within 10 days. Maryland’s pretty strict about this, and failing to report changes can result in losing benefits and potentially owing money back.

Resources for Maryland Medicare Beneficiaries

You’ve made it this far understanding income limits and eligibility requirements. Now let’s talk about where you can actually get help when you need it.

Having worked with thousands of Maryland residents over the past 25+ years, I’ve seen firsthand how the right resources can make or break your Medicare experience. Trust me, knowing where to turn saves you both time and money.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Maryland’s SHIP program offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. You get one-on-one help from trained volunteers who actually know what they’re talking about.

Call them at 1-800-243-3425 or visit marylandhealthconnection.gov. They answer questions about:

• Medicare coverage options
• Prescription drug plans
• Bills and claims
• Appeals and grievances
• Medicare Savings Programs

I’ve sent countless clients their way over the years. The counselors don’t sell anything – they just help you understand your options.

Maryland Department of Aging

Your local Area Agency on Aging connects you with Medicare specialists right in your community. Each county has its own office with counselors who know the local world.

Find your county office at aging.maryland.gov or call 1-800-AGE-DIAL (1-800-243-3425). They provide:

• Medicare enrollment assistance
• Benefits checkups
• Application help for savings programs
• Educational workshops
• Referrals to other services

Online Tools and Calculators

Sometimes you just want quick answers without picking up the phone. These online resources get you information 24/7:

Medicare.gov Plan Finder

• Compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans
• Enter your medications for cost estimates
• See star ratings and coverage details

BenefitsCheckUp.org

• Screen for all available benefit programs
• Get personalized results based on your situation
• Find application instructions

Maryland Health Connection

• Check eligibility for state programs
• Apply for Medicare Savings Programs online
• Track application status

Local Social Security Offices

Your Social Security office handles more than just retirement benefits. They process Medicare enrollments and answer questions about:

• Initial Medicare enrollment
• Premium payments
• Income verification
• Replacement Medicare cards

Maryland has 23 Social Security offices. Find yours at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213.

Pro tip: Schedule appointments online to skip the wait. Walk-ins can mean hours of sitting around.

Medicare Rights Center Helpline

When you’re dealing with complex Medicare issues, sometimes you need expert help. The Medicare Rights Center runs a national helpline at 1-800-333-4114.

Their counselors handle tricky situations like:

• Coverage denials
• Coordination of benefits
• IRMAA appeals
• Enrollment penalties

I’ve referred clients with complicated cases to them many times. They really know their stuff.

Community Health Centers

Maryland’s 17 Federally Qualified Health Centers offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Even with Medicare, these centers help stretch your healthcare dollars.

They provide:

• Primary care services
• Prescription assistance programs
• Help applying for Medicare Savings Programs
• Transportation to appointments

Find your nearest center at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

Legal Aid Bureau

Sometimes Medicare problems need legal muscle. Maryland Legal Aid offers free services to low-income seniors facing:

• Medicare appeals
• Medicaid denials
• Hospital discharge issues
• Nursing home problems

Contact them at 1-866-635-2948 or mdlab.org. They’ve helped many of my clients fight wrongful denials.

Medicare Advantage Plan Resources

If you’re considering or already have a Medicare Advantage plan, your insurer provides dedicated support:

Customer Service Lines

• Coverage questions
• Provider networks
• Prior authorization help
• Claim issues

Case Managers

• Coordinate complex care
• Navigate specialist referrals
• Arrange transportation

Online Member Portals

• Check benefits
• Find doctors
• Order ID cards
• View claims

Prescription Drug Assistance

Maryland’s Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP) helps with Part D costs if you qualify. Contact them at 1-800-551-5995.

Additional prescription help comes from:

• Pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs
• GoodRx for discount coupons
• State Pharmacy Assistance Programs
• Medicare Extra Help program

Emergency Resources

When urgent situations arise, these resources provide immediate help:

Maryland Crisis Hotline: 211 (press 1)

• Mental health support
• Emergency financial assistance
• Food and shelter resources

Adult Protective Services: 1-800-917-7383

• Elder abuse reporting
• Emergency interventions
• Safety planning

Staying Informed

Medicare rules change every year. Stay updated through:

• Medicare & You handbook (arrives each September)
• Medicare.gov email alerts
• AARP Medicare resources
• Local senior center workshops

Sign up for Medicare’s mailing list at medicare.gov/subscribe. Knowledge really is power when it comes to healthcare costs.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate Medicare alone. These resources exist specifically to help Maryland beneficiaries like you make informed decisions and maximize your benefits.

Conclusion

Understanding Maryland’s Medicare income limits opens doors to significant healthcare savings that many residents don’t even know exist. You’ve now got the knowledge to evaluate your eligibility for assistance programs and make strategic financial decisions that could save you thousands annually.

The income thresholds and asset limits might seem complex at first glance but they’re designed to help more people than you’d think. Whether you’re approaching Medicare age or already enrolled you can use this information to optimize your benefits and reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Don’t let these opportunities slip away. Take action by reviewing your current financial situation against the 2024 limits and reach out to Maryland’s free counseling services if you need guidance. Your future self will thank you for taking the time to understand these programs today.

Remember, Medicare rules evolve each year. Stay connected with Maryland’s SHIP program or your local Area Agency on Aging to keep your benefits working as hard as you do for your healthcare needs.