Medicare Savings Programs: 2026 Income Limits and How to Apply
Reviewed October 3, 2026. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-run programs that help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare costs. Depending on the program, they pay your Part B premium (worth $202.90 a month in 2026) and sometimes your Part A premium, deductibles, coinsurance and copays. For 2026, the federal income limits range from $1,350 a month for an individual in the QMB program to $1,816 a month in the QI program, with a resource limit of $9,950 for one person.
Quick answer: There are four Medicare Savings Programs: QMB, SLMB, QI and QDWI. You apply through your state Medicaid office. You may still qualify if your income or resources are above the federal limits, because many states use more generous rules. If you qualify for QMB, SLMB or QI, you also get Extra Help with prescription drug costs.
The four Medicare Savings Programs
| Program | What it pays |
|---|---|
| Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) | Part A premiums (if you don’t have premium-free Part A) and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments |
| Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) | Part B premiums only (you must have Part A and Part B) |
| Qualifying Individual (QI) | Part B premiums only (you must have Part A and Part B) |
| Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) | Part A premiums only, for certain working people with disabilities under 65 |
Program descriptions are from Medicare.gov.
2026 Medicare Savings Program income and resource limits
These are the 2026 federal limits published by Medicare.gov. Income limits are monthly. Limits are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
| Program | Individual monthly income | Married 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 |
Medicare.gov says you may still qualify in your state even if your income or resources are higher than these federal limits. Some states don’t count resources at all, and many disregard certain kinds of income. If you’re close to the limits, apply anyway.
What counts as resources
Resources generally include money in checking and savings accounts, stocks and bonds. They generally don’t include your home, one car, a burial plot, a limited amount set aside for burial expenses, furniture and other household and personal items. Your state makes the final determination.
How much a Medicare Savings Program can save you
At the 2026 standard premium, having your Part B premium paid saves $202.90 a month, or $2,434.80 a year (CMS). If your premium was being deducted from your Social Security payment, your monthly benefit goes up once the state starts paying it. QMB members save more because the program also covers the $283 Part B deductible and the 20% coinsurance. See our guides to the 2026 Part B premium and the 2026 Part B deductible.
QMB billing protection
If you’re in the QMB program, Medicare.gov says Medicare providers aren’t allowed to bill you for services and items Medicare covers, including deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. Show both your Medicare card and your Medicaid or QMB card at every visit, and tell your provider if you get a bill you shouldn’t.
Automatic Extra Help
If you qualify for QMB, SLMB or QI, you also automatically get Extra Help paying for Medicare drug coverage, which lowers Part D premiums and copays (Medicare.gov). People with Extra Help also don’t pay the Part D late enrollment penalty. Learn more about how Part D works.
Examples: which program might fit?
These simplified examples use the 2026 federal limits only. Your state may count income differently or allow higher limits, so treat them as a starting point, not a decision.
- Single, $1,200 a month in Social Security, $3,000 in savings. Income and resources are under the QMB limits, so this person may qualify for QMB, which pays the Part B premium plus Medicare deductibles and coinsurance.
- Single, $1,550 a month, $5,000 in savings. Income is above the QMB limit but under the SLMB limit, so SLMB may pay the Part B premium.
- Married couple, $2,400 a month combined, $12,000 in savings. Income is under the couple QI limit and resources are under $14,910, so QI may pay each spouse’s Part B premium if the state still has QI funds.
- Single, $2,100 a month, $20,000 in savings. Above the federal limits, but this person should still check their state’s rules, since some states use higher limits or don’t count resources.
How to apply for a Medicare Savings Program
- Contact your state Medicaid office. Medicare Savings Programs are run by states. Medicaid.gov lists where to get help in each state.
- Gather documents. Have your Medicare card, Social Security number, proof of income (benefit letters, pay stubs, pension statements), bank statements and proof of address ready.
- Apply online, by mail, by phone or in person. Options depend on your state. Many states use the same application as Medicaid.
- Respond quickly to requests. If the state asks for more information, send it by the deadline to avoid a denial.
- Watch for your approval notice. Once approved, your state starts paying your premium, and Social Security stops deducting it from your check.
- Renew on time. States review eligibility regularly, usually once a year.
QI is funded differently from the other programs, and Medicare.gov notes that states approve QI applications on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early in the year if you think you qualify. Free, unbiased help is available from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Medicare Savings Programs vs. Medicaid
An MSP isn’t the same as full Medicaid. Some people qualify for both and are called dual eligible, which can also open the door to Dual Special Needs Plans. Read our dual eligibility guide and, if you’re under 65, Medicare for people with disabilities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the income limit for the Medicare Savings Program in 2026?
Federal monthly income limits for an individual are $1,350 for QMB, $1,616 for SLMB and $1,816 for QI ($1,824, $2,184 and $2,455 for a married couple). Many states use higher limits.
What is the resource limit for Medicare Savings Programs?
For QMB, SLMB and QI in 2026 it’s $9,950 for an individual and $14,910 for a married couple. QDWI limits are $4,000 and $6,000.
Does the Medicare Savings Program pay the Part B premium?
Yes. QMB, SLMB and QI all pay the Part B premium. QMB also pays Part B deductibles and coinsurance, and Part A premiums if you owe them.
Do I qualify for Extra Help if I’m in a Medicare Savings Program?
Yes. If you qualify for QMB, SLMB or QI, you automatically get Extra Help with Part D drug costs.
Can I have a Medicare Savings Program and a Medicare Advantage plan?
Yes. An MSP helps with Original Medicare costs like the Part B premium regardless of whether you’re in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.
Where do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program?
Through your state Medicaid office. Social Security also shares information from Extra Help applications with states to start an MSP application in many cases.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or individual insurance advice. Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.