Tommy is a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) recipient. Like so many in his area, he is enrolled in United Health Care Medicare Advantage Program and receives a U-Card which allows him to pay utilities and buy groceries.  

Tommy has worked on the farm for most of his life. As with many folks in this area, Social Security was not paid for farm laborers and his income reflects this. 

Tommy has back problems, diabetes, heart problems and shortness of breath. He says that there are times when he can barely walk. He has a motorized wheelchair that he purchased from a neighbor. The chair needs a battery and at this time he cannot afford the battery. So, the chair is sitting on his porch. He does his best to be mobile, but with limitations. 

When asked what it means to have QMB pay his Medicare Premiums and for medicine, he stated that his small check would not be enough to pay for medicine or utilities. His U-card makes up for what he cannot afford. 

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Stock Image Credit: https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/farm