Medicare Savings Program
Updated September 2026 · 2026 figures from CMS and Medicare.gov
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-run programs that help people with limited income pay Medicare costs. All of them pay the Part B premium ($202.90 a month in 2026), and the most generous one also pays deductibles and coinsurance. Qualifying also gets you Extra Help with drug costs automatically.
The programs and what they pay
| Program | What it pays | Monthly income limit – individual | Monthly income limit – couple |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB – Qualified Medicare Beneficiary | Part A and B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copays | $1,350 | $1,824 |
| SLMB – Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary | Part B premium | $1,616 | $2,184 |
| QI – Qualifying Individual | Part B premium (apply every year; first come, first served) | $1,816 | $2,455 |
Resource limit (all three): $9,950 for an individual and $14,910 for a couple. These are the 2026 federal figures that apply in most states. Alaska, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii and Maine have higher income limits, and several states don't count assets at all.
A fourth program, QDWI (Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals), pays the Part A premium for some people under 65 who lost premium-free Part A because they returned to work.
What counts as income and resources
- Income limits include a $20 disregard, and many states disregard more — apply even if you're a little over.
- Resources include bank accounts, stocks and bonds. Your home, one car, burial plots, household goods and up to $1,500 set aside for burial usually don't count.
How to apply
- Contact your state Medicaid office (many states let you apply online).
- Have proof of income, bank statements, your Medicare card and ID ready.
- If approved, your state pays the Part B premium and it stops being deducted from your Social Security check — usually within a few months, often with a refund of premiums deducted in the meantime.
Extra benefits of qualifying
- Automatic Extra Help with Part D costs
- No Part B late-enrollment penalty in many states for people who qualify
- With QMB, providers can't bill you for Medicare-covered services
Frequently asked questions
What are the Medicare Savings Program income limits for 2026?
In most states: QMB $1,350 a month (individual) / $1,824 (couple); SLMB $1,616 / $2,184; QI $1,816 / $2,455. Resource limits are $9,950 / $14,910.
Does the Medicare Savings Program pay the Part B premium?
Yes. QMB, SLMB and QI all pay the Part B premium.
Where do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program?
Through your state Medicaid agency.
Do I get Extra Help if I qualify for an MSP?
Yes, automatically.