New York – NYC (HRA) – Need Help Navigating NYC Medicaid/Medicare Pay down or income reduction strategies

I'm helping my elderly in-laws (both Ukrainian immigrants in Brooklyn, limited English) navigate NYC's healthcare and benefits system. I have POA and am their authorized Health Care Proxy, but I'm struggling to find clear answers on QMB eligibility. Any advice from case managers, benefits specialists, or people who've been through this would be hugely appreciated.

Current Situation: Both in their 60s-70s, living in Brooklyn. Combined household income: ~$2,531/month from Social Security. Both have Medicare Parts A & B, one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and needs home care services (NHTD application in progress). Their only income is Social Security, and their savings is about $280

The Problem:

My in-laws are $73/month over the income limit to qualify for MSP QMB. One Medicaid specialist told me to reduce their income using a trust. The trust company said it's not enough money—fees and minimums make it a waste. They told me to find another way to pay down the overage. Another person told me to use DARB to pay down the excess income.

My Goal:

Reinstate their QMB status and get Medicaid to cover their Part B premiums. If Part B isn't covered by Medicaid, they lose $3,780/year of their income.

Specific Questions I Can't Find Clear Answers To:

• What are the actual options to bridge a $73/month income overage for QMB eligibility?

I'm confused by conflicting information from different reps and websites that contradict each other. Any guidance or resources would be incredibly helpful.

TL;DR: Elderly in-laws in Brooklyn are $73/month over the QMB income limit. What are the realistic options to bridge this gap?