This is a Medicaid program for beneficiaries who need help in paying for Medicare services. The beneficiary must have Medicare Part A and limited income and resources. For those who qualify, the Medicaid program pays Medicare Part B premiums. Eligibility begins the month of application. Also, if eligible, retroactive coverage for up to three months prior to the month of application. Note: There can be a lag time before SSA is able to stop taking the premiums out of the recipient 's benefit check but the recipient will be reimbursed by SSA for all months eligible for SLMB and/or QMB. The reverse is true when these programs terminate: recipients should be told to put aside premium costs from first month of termination on.