Medicare Savings Programs 2026: Eligibility, Income Limits, Benefits and How to Apply

Healthcare expenses can become difficult to manage even for people who already have Medicare. Monthly premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments can add up quickly, especially for older adults and people living on a limited income. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are designed to help eligible Medicare beneficiaries reduce some of these costs.

Medicare Savings Programs are administered by individual states, but they are connected to the federal Medicare program. Depending on the program and the beneficiary’s circumstances, assistance may cover Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and, in some cases, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. (Medicare)

There are four main Medicare Savings Programs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), Qualifying Individual (QI), and Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI). Each program has different eligibility requirements and provides a different level of assistance. (Medicare)

What Are Medicare Savings Programs?

Medicare Savings Programs are state-administered programs that help people with limited income and resources pay certain Medicare-related expenses.

For eligible beneficiaries, assistance can make Medicare coverage more affordable by reducing expenses such as:

• Medicare Part A premiums
• Medicare Part B premiums
• Medicare deductibles
• Medicare coinsurance
• Medicare copayments

The amount of help depends on which Medicare Savings Program a person qualifies for.

One important point is that you do not necessarily need to be below the federal income limits to qualify. Medicare explains that some states have higher income limits or do not count certain types or amounts of income and resources when determining eligibility. (Medicare)

Who Can Qualify for a Medicare Savings Program?

Medicare Savings Programs are generally intended for people who already have Medicare and have limited income and resources.

Eligibility can depend on:

• Medicare enrollment
• Monthly income
• Household size
• Resources
• Marital status
• Disability status
• State of residence
• The specific Medicare Savings Program

Because these programs are administered by states, the rules can differ depending on where you live.

Even if you believe your income or resources are slightly above the federal limits, Medicare recommends applying because your state may use different standards. (Medicare)

The Four Medicare Savings Programs

There are four primary Medicare Savings Programs, and each one serves a somewhat different group of beneficiaries.

1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program

The QMB Program provides the broadest Medicare cost assistance among the main Medicare Savings Programs.

If you qualify for QMB, the program can help pay:

• Medicare Part A premiums, when applicable
• Medicare Part B premiums
• Medicare Part A deductibles
• Medicare Part B deductibles
• Medicare coinsurance
• Medicare copayments for Medicare-covered services and items

For 2026, the federal monthly income limit is $1,350 for an individual and $1,824 for a married couple. The federal resource limit is $9,950 for an individual and $14,910 for a married couple. (Medicare)

QMB beneficiaries also receive additional assistance with Medicare prescription drug costs.

Importantly, Medicare providers generally cannot bill a QMB beneficiary for Medicare-covered services and items for which Medicare and the QMB program are responsible. (Medicare)

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

The SLMB Program is designed for Medicare beneficiaries whose income is higher than the QMB limit but who still have limited financial resources.

SLMB primarily helps pay the beneficiary’s Medicare Part B premium.

For 2026, the federal monthly income limit is:

• $1,616 for an individual
• $2,184 for a married couple

The resource limits are $9,950 for an individual and $14,910 for a married couple. (Medicare)

To qualify for SLMB, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B.

3. Qualifying Individual (QI) Program

The Qualifying Individual (QI) Program can help eligible beneficiaries pay their Medicare Part B premiums.

For 2026, the federal monthly income limit is:

• $1,816 for an individual
• $2,455 for a married couple

The resource limits are $9,950 for an individual and $14,910 for a married couple. (Medicare)

One important difference is that QI benefits must generally be applied for each year. States approve QI applications on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority generally given to people who received QI benefits the previous year. (Medicare)

4. Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) Program

The QDWI Program is different from the other Medicare Savings Programs because it is specifically designed for certain people with disabilities who are working.

You may potentially qualify if you:

• Have a disability
• Are working
• Lost Social Security disability benefits and premium-free Medicare Part A because you returned to work

QDWI helps pay Medicare Part A premiums.

For 2026, the federal monthly income limit is $5,405 for an individual and $7,299 for a married couple. Resource limits are $4,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a married couple. (Medicare)

Medicare Savings Program Income Limits for 2026

The federal limits for 2026 are summarized below:

Program	Individual Monthly Income	Couple Monthly Income	Individual Resources	Couple Resources
QMB	$1,350	$1,824	$9,950	$14,910
SLMB	$1,616	$2,184	$9,950	$14,910
QI	$1,816	$2,455	$9,950	$14,910
QDWI	$5,405	$7,299	$4,000	$6,000

These are the federal figures for 2026. Medicare notes that Alaska and Hawaii have somewhat higher income limits, and some states use more generous standards. (Medicare)

What Counts as a Resource?

Resource rules are different from income rules.

Resources can include certain financial assets such as:

• Money in checking accounts
• Savings accounts
• Certain retirement accounts
• Other countable financial resources

However, not every asset is necessarily counted.

Some states have higher resource limits or do not count certain resources when determining eligibility for QMB, SLMB, and QI. (Medicare)

This is another reason why someone who appears to be above the federal limit should still contact their state Medicaid agency before assuming they are ineligible.

How Medicare Savings Programs Can Reduce Costs

The biggest advantage of these programs is that they can reduce expenses that Medicare beneficiaries would otherwise have to pay themselves.

For example, someone who qualifies for QMB may receive help with both Part A and Part B premiums as well as Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

Someone who qualifies for SLMB or QI may receive help specifically with the Part B premium.

QDWI is focused on helping eligible disabled workers with their Part A premium.

The type of assistance therefore depends on the program for which the beneficiary qualifies.

Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help

Another important benefit is the connection between Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help, the federal program that helps eligible people with limited income and resources pay Medicare prescription drug costs.

Medicare states that people who qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI also receive Extra Help with prescription drug costs. (Medicare)

For 2026, people receiving Extra Help generally pay no more than $5.10 for a generic prescription and $12.65 for a brand-name prescription under the applicable Medicare drug coverage rules. (Medicare)

This can make Medicare-related healthcare costs considerably more manageable for eligible beneficiaries.

How to Apply for a Medicare Savings Program

Medicare Savings Programs are administered by the state, rather than directly through Medicare.

You generally need to contact your state Medicaid agency to apply.

During the application process, your state will evaluate your income, resources, Medicare status, and other information to determine which program you may qualify for.

Medicare specifically recommends applying even if you do not think you qualify because state rules can be more generous than the federal limits. (Medicare)

What Documents May Be Needed?

The exact documentation varies by state, but you may need information such as:

• Medicare card
• Social Security number
• Proof of income
• Bank statements
• Information about retirement accounts
• Proof of residence
• Information about household members
• Marriage information, if applicable
• Disability-related information, when relevant

Your state agency will tell you which documents are required.

Providing complete and accurate information can help the agency determine which Medicare Savings Program, if any, is appropriate for your situation.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once your application is submitted, your state reviews the information and determines whether you meet the requirements.

The state may ask for additional documentation if something needs to be verified.

If approved, you should receive information explaining which Medicare Savings Program you qualify for and what expenses it will help cover.

If you are denied, carefully review the notice provided by your state. It should explain the reason for the decision and information about available appeal or review procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Savings Programs

What are Medicare Savings Programs?

Medicare Savings Programs are state-administered programs that help eligible people with limited income and resources pay certain Medicare costs.

What is the QMB Program?

QMB stands for Qualified Medicare Beneficiary. It can help pay Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and certain Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. (Medicare)

What is the SLMB Program?

SLMB stands for Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary. It primarily helps eligible beneficiaries pay their Medicare Part B premiums. (Medicare)

What is the QI Program?

QI stands for Qualifying Individual. It helps eligible Medicare beneficiaries pay their Part B premiums. QI generally requires a new application each year. (Medicare)

What is the QDWI Program?

QDWI stands for Qualified Disabled and Working Individual. It helps certain disabled people who have returned to work and lost premium-free Part A coverage pay their Medicare Part A premiums. (Medicare)

Can I qualify if my income is higher than the federal limit?

Possibly. Some states have higher income limits or exclude certain types or amounts of income and resources. Medicare recommends contacting your state before assuming that you do not qualify. (Medicare)

Where do I apply for Medicare Savings Programs?

You apply through your state, usually through the state Medicaid agency. Medicare provides information to help beneficiaries contact their state. (Medicare)