Medicare Savings Program
Costs & Coverage
State programs that help people with limited income pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. The four types are QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI, each with different income and eligibility thresholds.
Also known as: MSP
Medicare-Approved Amount
Costs & Coverage
The fee Medicare sets for a medical service or item. Doctors who accept Medicare assignment agree to accept this amount as full payment. You pay your share (copay or coinsurance) based on this approved amount, not the doctor's billed charge.
Also known as: Medicare fee schedule amount
Medigap
Medigap
Private supplemental insurance that fills the "gaps" in Original Medicare coverage, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Policies are standardized and sold by letter (e.g., Plan G, Plan N). Medigap policies generally do not cover prescription drugs.
Also known as: Medicare Supplement Insurance