The individual MUST be enrolled in Part A Medicare in order to be eligible for QMB. (Applicants can be conditionally enrolled in Part A; see below for discussion). Further, QMB coverage cannot begin until the Part A Medicare entitlement date (the date the Part A coverage actually begins, regardless of when enrolled).
“Part A” is the name given to the Hospital Insurance coverage provided by the Medicare program. Part A differs from Part B, or Supplemental Medical Insurance, (SMI) in basic coverage, and claimants may have one or the other, or both. This coverage can be automatic, with no charge to the insured or it may require an application for coverage, with or without a premium payment.