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Aged, Blind and Disabled Manual Policy Manual Number: 120.010 Section: Medicare Savings Programs Chapter: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary

January 5, 2026 Division of TennCare 2 4. QMB Effective Date The eligibility start date is the first day of the month after the application is approved.

Note: QMB is the only MSP in which the coverage effective date is first day of the month after the application is approved. 5. Non-Financial Eligibility Requirements a. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) Individuals must be entitled to Medicare Part A benefits. Individuals may be either entitled to receive premium-free Medicare Part A, or eligible to purchase Medicare Part A. See the Medicare Savings Program Overview policy.

TennCare will use an individual’s Social Security Number (SSN) to verify his entitlement to and receipt of Medicare Part A benefits with the SSA.

Applicants who are enrolled in Part B only, but are otherwise eligible for QMB, will be determined eligible for QMB and the state will enroll them into Medicare Part A once the Medicare Buy-in Unit is notified by the eligibility worker. See the Medicare Savings Program Overview policy for additional information on when to notify TennCare’s Medicare Buy-in Unit.

b. Age If an applicant is eligible on the basis of age, he must be age 65 or older. There is no age limit for individuals who are eligible on the basis of disability.

c. Citizenship Individuals must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or eligible non-citizens. Individuals are not required to provide documentary evidence of citizenship or national status if they are entitled to or enrolled in any part of Medicare.

d. Enumeration Individuals must possess and provide a valid SSN or proof of application for an SSN, unless they meet an exception.

e. State Residence Individuals in this category must be residents of Tennessee.