What are Medicare Savings Programs?

Medicare Savings Programs, often called MSPs, are state-administered programs that help eligible people with limited income and resources pay certain Medicare costs. They are intended to reduce the financial burden of Medicare coverage for people who meet their states eligibility requirements.

Depending on the program, assistance can cover the Medicare Part B premium, the Medicare Part A premium for people who have to pay it, and certain deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for Medicare-covered services.

There are four main programs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), Qualifying Individual (QI) and Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI). Each has different income and resource limits and provides a different level of help.

Medicare Savings Program income limits for 2026

The following monthly income limits are the standard federal figures for 2026. They apply to most states, while Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. Some states also use more generous rules or exclude certain income and resources when determining eligibility.

These are federal guideline amounts, not a guarantee of eligibility. The state agency determines eligibility under the rules that apply where you live. Income limits can be higher in Alaska and Hawaii.

If your income is slightly above a listed amount, do not automatically rule yourself out. Some states have higher limits or disregard certain income. Ask your state Medicaid agency to review your situation.

2026 Medicare Savings Program resource limits

In addition to income, most Medicare Savings Programs consider countable resources. Resources can include money in checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds and certain other assets. The rules specify which assets count and which are excluded.

Some states have higher resource limits or do not count resources for certain Medicare Savings Programs. Your home, vehicle and other assets may be treated differently under the applicable rules. Confirm the state requirements before deciding that your savings make you ineligible.

1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program

The QMB program provides the broadest Medicare cost-sharing assistance among the main Medicare Savings Programs. For eligible people, it helps pay Medicare Part A premiums when applicable, Part B premiums and Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.

For 2026, the standard monthly income limit is $1,350 for an individual and $1,824 for a married couple. The standard resource limits are $9,950 and $14,910, respectively.

Important QMB billing protection

If you are enrolled in QMB, Medicare providers generally cannot bill you for Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance or copayments. You should tell your providers that you have QMB and show your Medicare and Medicaid or QMB documentation when requested.

This protection applies to Medicare-covered services and items. It does not mean every service, item or expense outside Medicare coverage is automatically paid for. If you receive a bill for Medicare-covered cost sharing, contact the provider and your state Medicaid agency for help resolving it.

2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program

The SLMB program helps eligible beneficiaries pay their Medicare Part B premium. It is designed for people whose income is generally above the QMB limit but within the SLMB limit. You must have Medicare Part A and Part B to qualify.

For 2026, the standard monthly income limit is $1,616 for an individual and $2,184 for a married couple. The standard resource limits are $9,950 and $14,910, respectively.

SLMB does not generally pay Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or copayments. However, people who qualify for SLMB also qualify for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, subject to the program rules.

3. Qualifying Individual (QI) Program

The QI program also helps eligible beneficiaries pay their Medicare Part B premium. It is intended for people with income above the SLMB range but within the QI limit.

For 2026, the standard monthly income limit is $1,816 for an individual and $2,455 for a married couple. The standard resource limits are $9,950 and $14,910, respectively.

You must have Medicare Part A and Part B. You generally cannot qualify for QI if you qualify for another Medicaid benefit, and you must apply again each year to continue receiving QI assistance. States approve QI applications on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority generally given to people who received QI benefits the previous year.

Like SLMB, QI helps with the Part B premium rather than Medicare-covered deductibles and copayments. QI beneficiaries also qualify for Extra Help with prescription drug costs under the applicable rules.

4. Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program

QDWI serves certain people with disabilities who returned to work and lost premium-free Medicare Part A because of their work activity. It helps pay the Medicare Part A premium, rather than the Part B premium or ordinary Medicare cost sharing.

For 2026, the standard monthly income limit is $5,405 for an individual and $7,299 for a married couple. The resource limits are $4,000 and $6,000, respectively.

Eligibility depends on disability, employment, Medicare entitlement and other program conditions. If you returned to work and are paying a Part A premium, contact your state Medicaid agency to find out whether QDWI may apply to your situation.

How much can a Medicare Savings Program save you?

Your savings depend on the program you qualify for and the Medicare costs you would otherwise pay. In 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month for most beneficiaries, although people with higher incomes may pay more because of income-related adjustments.

QMB may provide additional savings because it also protects eligible beneficiaries from being billed for Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. SLMB and QI generally focus on the Part B premium, while QDWI helps pay the Part A premium for eligible working people with disabilities.

A Medicare Savings Program is different from a Medicare Advantage plan, Medigap policy or a prescription drug plan. It is financial assistance administered through the state for eligible Medicare beneficiaries.

Does a Medicare Savings Program include Extra Help?

Yes. People who qualify for QMB, SLMB or QI also qualify automatically for Extra Help with Medicare Part D prescription drug costs under the applicable rules. Extra Help can reduce certain Part D premiums, deductibles and prescription copayments.

The exact savings depend on your drug plan and circumstances. For 2026, Medicare states that eligible people receiving Extra Help will pay no more than $12.65 for each covered drug in the relevant standard cost-sharing arrangement.

QDWI does not provide the same automatic Extra Help pathway through the QMB, SLMB and QI rules. If you qualify only for QDWI, check the separate Extra Help income and resource requirements or ask a benefits counselor about your options.

Who should apply for Medicare Savings Programs?

You may want to apply if you have Medicare and limited income or savings, especially if your Social Security payment is reduced by the Part B premium or you struggle to afford medical bills.

• Older adults living on Social Security or a pension.
• People with disabilities who have Medicare coverage.
• Beneficiaries who pay their own Medicare Part B premium.
• People who have limited savings but are unsure whether their resources count.
• People whose income is slightly above the federal limits but live in a state with more generous rules.
• Eligible people who need help with Medicare-covered medical cost sharing or prescription drug expenses.

You do not need to assume you are ineligible just because you have a bank account or receive retirement income. State rules determine which income and resources count, and some states use more generous limits or exclusions.

How to apply for a Medicare Savings Program in 2026

Medicare Savings Programs are administered by state Medicaid agencies. You apply through the state where you live, and that agency determines which program, if any, you qualify for.

Steps to apply

1. Find your state Medicaid agency. Use the official government directory to locate the correct application contact.
2. Ask about all four programs. The agency can screen you for QMB, SLMB, QI and QDWI based on your circumstances.
3. Prepare your information. You may need proof of income, bank account information, Medicare details, identification and information about your household.
4. Submit the application. Follow the state agencys instructions for online, mail, telephone or in-person applications.
5. Respond to requests. Provide additional records if the agency needs to verify your income, resources or Medicare enrollment.
6. Review the decision. If approved, check the effective date and which costs the program will pay. If denied, read the notice for the reason and appeal instructions.

Can you qualify if your income is above the limit?

Possibly. The published federal income limits are a starting point, but they do not reflect every state rule. Some states use higher income limits, disregard specific income amounts or do not count resources for certain Medicare Savings Programs.

Income from work can also affect eligibility calculations differently from other income, and the treatment of particular payments depends on applicable state and federal rules. The state agency should review your complete circumstances rather than relying on one number alone.

Even if you believe your income or savings are too high, contact your state Medicaid office and ask for a screening. Applying is the most reliable way to find out whether a state-specific rule may help you qualify.

Frequently asked questions

Bottom line

Medicare Savings Programs can help eligible people reduce their health coverage costs in 2026. QMB may pay Part A and Part B premiums and certain Medicare-covered cost sharing. SLMB and QI help pay the Part B premium, while QDWI helps eligible working people with disabilities pay the Part A premium.

Check both income and resource limits, but remember that state rules may be more generous than the standard federal figures. Contact your state Medicaid agency or a free SHIP counselor to find out which program may apply to you. You may qualify even if you previously thought your income or savings were too high.