I am the responsible payee for my 43 year old permanently disabled son. He receives social security disablilty benefits of $776. monthy and $42.00 food stamps. The State of Florida pays his Medicare premium of $88.50. monthly.[I don’t know what department of Florida pays it-don’t know how to find that.]

My question is I called Medicare and they informed me of a program called QMB [Qualified Medicare Beneficiary]. Is there such a program in the state of Florida? Also, Why can’t my son qualify for SSI. He is single, lives in his own appartment and IS diagnosed with spina bifida, AADD and bipolar. His psychiotrist informed me that because of his cost share through Medicard is $525 monthly, he will have to pay the difference of $49. a visit. He doesn’t have it!

Can you give me a direction to go to for help for him. He really needs the help as, according to his urologist, his condition will worsen as he ages and might requite surgery in the future. I would greatly appreciate any help you can give me. I have spent days on the phone trying to get answers. I keep getting sent to another agency to no avail.Thank you.

Jonathan Ginsberg responds: Cynthia, I know very little about Qualified Medicare beneficiary programs. My understanding is that this program pays the Medicare Part B premiums for individuals whose monthly income falls below a certain level.