Many seniors assume that Medicare costs are simply a fact of life. Between monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, healthcare expenses can consume a significant portion of a fixed retirement income. What many people don’t realize is that a little-known program called the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program can dramatically reduce those costs. And in some cases, it makes Medicare almost free. Millions of Americans qualify for this benefit, yet many have never heard of it or mistakenly assume they earn too much to qualify. If you’re looking for ways to stretch your retirement budget, here is what you need to know about the QMB Program.