All 50 states, Washington D.C., and several U.S. territories have signed agreements with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to pay the Medicare Part B premium for all qualifying low-income individuals. Part A Buy-In (State-Dependent)
There are four primary tiers of MSPs, each with different eligibility thresholds based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL):
The is a joint federal and state process that allows state Medicaid agencies to pay Medicare premiums, and sometimes deductibles and coinsurance, for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Normally, if you fail to sign up for Medicare when first eligible, you must wait for the General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31). State buy-in agreements waive these restrictive enrollment windows, allowing immediate, year-round enrollment.
Pays strictly for the Medicare Part B premium.
An individual does not apply for a "Buy-In program" directly. Instead, they apply for a through their local state Medicaid office. If they qualify for an MSP, the state automatically initiates the Buy-In process with the federal government.
The most comprehensive tier. It pays for Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.