Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-run programs that help people with limited income pay for Medicare costs in 2026. If you qualify, the program can cover your Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance, potentially saving you thousands of dollars per year. About 10 million Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled, but millions more are likely eligible and not yet enrolled.
Quick Answer: In 2026, there are four Medicare Savings Programs: QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI. The most valuable is QMB, which pays your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance if your monthly income is at or below $1,350 (individual) or $1,824 (couple). Enrollment also triggers automatic Extra Help for prescription drug costs.
There are four MSP levels. Each covers different costs and has different income cutoffs. This guide breaks down each program, the 2026 income and asset limits, what each one covers, and how to apply.
The Four Medicare Savings Programs
QMB: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
QMB is the most comprehensive MSP. It covers the largest share of your Medicare cost burden and is available to beneficiaries with income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
What QMB covers in 2026:
- Medicare Part A premium (if you have to pay one)
- Medicare Part B premium ($202.90/month for most people)
- Medicare Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period)
- Medicare Part B annual deductible ($283)
- All Medicare coinsurance and copayments
Providers cannot legally bill QMB enrollees for Medicare cost-sharing. If a doctor or hospital bills you for Medicare-covered services after you have QMB status, you can dispute it. CMS takes billing violations seriously.
QMB enrollment also triggers automatic Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D prescription drug costs. In 2026, Extra Help reduces prescription copays to no more than $5.10 for generics and $12.65 for brand-name drugs, and may eliminate your Part D premium and deductible entirely.
SLMB: Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
SLMB is a step up from QMB's income threshold but provides narrower coverage. SLMB pays the Medicare Part B premium only, which is $202.90/month in 2026. That amounts to roughly $2,434 in savings per year.
SLMB does not cover deductibles, coinsurance, or the Part A premium. However, like QMB, SLMB enrollment also triggers automatic Extra Help for Part D.
QI: Qualifying Individual
QI has the highest income threshold of the three main programs but covers only a portion of the Part B premium. Funding for QI is capped by Congress each year, and states distribute it on a first-come, first-served basis. If you qualified for QI in the prior year and reapply, most states give you priority.
QI enrollment, like QMB and SLMB, also triggers automatic Extra Help for Part D drug costs.
QDWI: Qualified Disabled and Working Individual
QDWI is a narrow program for people under age 65 who have a disability, returned to work, and lost premium-free Medicare Part A coverage as a result. QDWI pays the Part A premium only, which is $518/month in 2026 for those with fewer than 30 work credits. Income and asset limits are stricter than the other MSPs.
2026 Income Limits by Program
The table below shows the monthly income limits for each MSP as of 2026. These are national figures based on 100% of the FPL (QMB), 120% FPL (SLMB), and 135% FPL (QI). Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits because their FPL benchmarks are higher.
| Program | Individual Monthly Income | Couple Monthly Income | FPL % |
|---|
| QMB | $1,350 | $1,824 | 100% |
| SLMB | $1,616 | $2,184 | 120% |
| QI | $1,816 | $2,455 | 135% |
| QDWI | $2,700 | $3,648 | 200% |
These are counted income limits. Some income types are not counted, including the first $20 of most monthly income, the first $65 of monthly earned income, and some other categories. That means your gross income can be higher than the limit and you may still qualify.
If you are near a cutoff, use the CoveredUSA eligibility screener to get a more accurate estimate based on your actual income mix.
2026 Asset Limits by Program
Most states still use asset limits for MSPs, though several states have eliminated them entirely (more on that below). In 2026, the asset limits are:
| Program | Individual Assets | Couple Assets |
|---|
| QMB | $9,660 | $14,470 |
| SLMB | $9,660 | $14,470 |
| QI | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| QDWI | $4,000 | $6,000 |
Assets that typically do not count include your primary home, one car, personal belongings, burial funds up to a limit, and the cash value of certain life insurance policies.
States with no asset limits as of 2026: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. If you live in one of these states, asset levels do not affect your eligibility at all.
By April 2026, federal rules also require states to accept self-attestation about resources, meaning you generally do not have to submit documentation proving your asset amounts. This simplifies the application significantly.
What Each Program Covers: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Benefit | QMB | SLMB | QI | QDWI |
|---|
| Part A premium | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Part B premium ($202.90/mo) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Part A deductible ($1,736) | Yes | No | No | No |
| Part B deductible ($283) | Yes | No | No | No |
| Part A coinsurance | Yes | No | No | No |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | Yes | No | No | No |
| Automatic Extra Help (Part D) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
How to Apply for a Medicare Savings Program
Applications are handled at the state level through your state Medicaid agency. There is no federal application portal, and you cannot apply through Medicare directly.
Step 1: Confirm you have Medicare. You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI. For QDWI, you need Part A only (the goal is to pay the Part A premium so you can keep coverage).
Step 2: Gather your information. You will typically need:
- Social Security number
- Proof of Medicare enrollment (your Medicare card)
- Proof of income (Social Security benefit letter, pay stubs, pension statements)
- Bank and investment account statements (in states with asset limits)
- Proof of residence
Step 3: Find your state Medicaid agency. Go to medicare.gov/contacts or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to find your state's contact information.
Step 4: Submit your application. Most states allow you to apply by mail, in person at a local office, by phone, or online. New rules require states to simplify the process and accept self-attestation for many items, so the paperwork burden is lower than it used to be.
Step 5: Get a decision. Most states process applications within 45 days (or 90 days if a disability determination is needed). If approved, your MSP coverage can be backdated up to three months in some states.
You can also apply for Extra Help (Part D Low Income Subsidy) through the Social Security Administration even before your MSP application is complete. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or apply online at ssa.gov.
Extra Help: The Automatic Bonus
Enrolling in QMB, SLMB, or QI automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, the federal program that reduces Medicare Part D drug costs. In 2026, Extra Help provides:
- Part D premiums: may be fully covered
- Part D deductible: $0
- Prescription copays: no more than $5.10 for generics, $12.65 for brand-name drugs
- No coverage gap (the "donut hole" does not apply)
This can add up to $2,000 to $5,000 in additional annual savings on top of what the MSP itself covers, depending on your prescriptions.
Retroactive Coverage
If your MSP application is approved, some states can retroactively apply your benefits for up to three months before your application date. This matters if you have already paid Medicare cost-sharing amounts that QMB would have covered. Ask your state Medicaid office specifically whether retroactive coverage applies and how to request a refund for any provider bills you paid during that window.
If Your Income Is Above the Limits
If your income is slightly above the MSP thresholds, you may still qualify for the Part D Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help) on its own. The income limit for Extra Help in 2026 is approximately 150% FPL, which is higher than QI's 135% FPL limit.
You may also qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan with lower or $0 premiums depending on your state and the plans available in your area. Check your eligibility at CoveredUSA to see all the programs you may qualify for based on your income and household size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for QMB in 2026?
The QMB income limit is $1,350 per month for individuals and $1,824 per month for married couples. These numbers are based on 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Some types of income are excluded from the calculation, so your gross income can sometimes be higher than these limits and you may still qualify.
Does QMB cover my Medicare Part B premium?
Yes. QMB covers the full Medicare Part B premium, which is $202.90 per month in 2026. It also covers the Part A premium if you pay one, plus both deductibles and all coinsurance amounts.
How is SLMB different from QMB?
SLMB has a higher income limit than QMB (up to 120% FPL vs 100% FPL), but it only covers the Part B premium. QMB covers premiums, deductibles, and all coinsurance for both Part A and Part B. If your income falls between the QMB and SLMB thresholds, SLMB is your best option to get at least the Part B premium covered.
What does QI cover and who qualifies?
QI covers the Medicare Part B premium for people with income between 120% and 135% FPL. For 2026, that means individual monthly income between $1,616 and $1,816. QI is available on a first-come, first-served basis because federal funding is capped. Enrolling early in the year improves your chances.
Do I have to reapply for Medicare Savings Programs every year?
Yes. MSP enrollment does not renew automatically in most states. You must reapply each year, typically during your state's renewal window. Many states send renewal notices in advance. If you qualified for QI in the prior year, most states give priority to returning applicants.
Can I have a Medicare Savings Program and Medicare Advantage at the same time?
Yes. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, your MSP benefit applies to your Medicare Advantage plan's cost-sharing rather than Original Medicare's. Providers still cannot bill QMB enrollees beyond the plan's cost-sharing amounts.
Do Medicare Savings Programs cover prescription drugs?
Not directly. MSPs cover Medicare Part A and B costs, not Part D drugs. However, MSP enrollment automatically triggers Extra Help, which substantially reduces Part D prescription costs. In 2026, Extra Help caps drug copays at $5.10 for generics and $12.65 for brand-name medications.
How do I apply if I do not know my state's Medicaid office contact?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask to be transferred to your state's Medicare Savings Program contact. You can also go to medicare.gov and search for contacts in your state. Alternatively, check your eligibility and get guidance at CoveredUSA, which can point you toward the right resources based on your state and income.
What counts as income for Medicare Savings Programs?
Counted income typically includes Social Security benefits, pensions, wages, self-employment income, and rental income. Not counted: the first $20 of most monthly income, the first $65 of monthly earnings, and some other exclusions. Interest income and certain irregular income sources may be treated differently by state. Contact your state Medicaid agency for a full breakdown.
Check your eligibility now at CoveredUSA -- it takes 2 minutes.
Use the free eligibility screener at CoveredUSA to find out which Medicare Savings Program you may qualify for, along with any other coverage options available in your state.
