Last reviewed October 2026

I’m in QMB and got a bill for a Medicare copay. What should I do?

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Short answer: Tell the provider or collector the person is in QMB and can’t be charged Medicare cost-sharing. If they already paid, they’re entitled to a refund through the state Medicaid office, and 1-800-MEDICARE can step in if the provider won’t stop.

Medicare.gov’s steps for a person in QMB who gets billed:

  • Tell the provider or debt collector the person is in QMB and can’t be charged for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or copays.
  • If the person already paid for Medicare-covered services, they have a right to a refund. Contact the state Medicaid office (HHSC in Texas) about getting it.
  • If the person is in a Medicare Advantage plan, contact the plan to ask it to stop the charges.
  • If the provider keeps billing, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).

Proof helps: the Medicaid or QMB card, and for Original Medicare, a Medicare Summary Notice, which shows the person is in QMB.

Sources

Medicare.gov, Medicare Savings Programsmedicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs

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Topic: Lowering Medicare Costs

History: Originally published October 27, 2026 ยท Last reviewed October 27, 2026