Arkansas has four main programs that can reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket Medicare costs for people with limited income and assets. These are the three Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, and QI) plus the federal Extra Help program for Part D drug costs. If your monthly income is below roughly $1,816 as a single person or $2,455 as a married couple, you likely qualify for at least one of these in 2026.
This guide covers the exact 2026 income and asset limits for each program, what each one covers, and the step-by-step process to apply in Arkansas.
What Are Arkansas Medicare Savings Programs?
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-run programs funded jointly by the state and federal government. Arkansas administers them through the Department of Human Services (DHS). They pay some or all of your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing depending on which tier you qualify for.
There are three tiers:
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Broadest coverage, pays the most
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Pays Part B premiums only
- QI (Qualifying Individual): Also pays Part B premiums; limited enrollment slots
Enrolling in any MSP also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help with Part D prescription drug costs.
2026 Arkansas Medicare Savings Program Income Limits
The income limits below are based on the Social Security Administration's 2026 federal figures, effective after February 2026. Arkansas uses these federal thresholds. Income is measured as gross monthly income.
| Program | Individual Monthly Income | Couple Monthly Income | What It Covers |
|---|
| QMB | Up to $1,350 | Up to $1,824 | Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing |
| SLMB | $1,351 to $1,616 | $1,825 to $2,184 | Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) |
| QI | $1,617 to $1,816 | $2,185 to $2,455 | Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) |
Note: Arkansas applies a $20 general income disregard. In practice, someone earning up to $20 above these limits may still qualify after the disregard is applied. Always apply even if you are slightly over the limit.
2026 Asset Limits for MSPs
| Program | Individual Asset Limit | Couple Asset Limit |
|---|
| QMB | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| SLMB | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| QI | $9,950 | $14,910 |
Assets that do not count toward these limits include your primary home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and burial funds up to $1,500. Countable assets are things like checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, stocks, and bonds.
What QMB Covers in 2026
QMB is the most valuable MSP tier. If you qualify, Arkansas Medicaid pays:
- Your Medicare Part B premium: $202.90 per month
- Your Medicare Part A premium (if applicable: $311 or $565 per month depending on work history)
- Part A deductible: $1,736 per benefit period in 2026
- Part B deductible: $283 per year in 2026
- Part A hospital coinsurance: $434 per day for days 61 to 90
- Part B 20% coinsurance on covered services
QMB enrollees also receive automatic full Extra Help for Part D prescription drugs. Providers who accept Medicare are required by law to accept QMB and cannot bill you for cost-sharing.
What SLMB Covers
SLMB pays your monthly Medicare Part B premium of $202.90, which saves you $2,434.80 per year. It does not cover deductibles or coinsurance. SLMB enrollment automatically qualifies you for Extra Help on Part D drugs.
What QI Covers
QI also pays the Part B premium and triggers automatic Extra Help. Unlike SLMB, QI is funded under a capped federal grant, so enrollment is limited and approved on a first-come, first-served basis each year. People already enrolled in Medicaid do not qualify for QI.
Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) Income Limits 2026
Extra Help, also called the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), helps pay Medicare Part D prescription drug plan costs. You can qualify directly through Social Security, or automatically through MSP enrollment.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $1,956 | $23,475 |
| Married couple | $2,644 | $31,725 |
Extra Help Asset Limits 2026
| Standard Limit | With Burial Set-Aside |
|---|
| Individual | $16,590 | $18,090 |
| Married couple | $33,100 | $36,100 |
Extra Help for 2026 provides full subsidy to most enrollees. Benefits include no Part D premium (if enrolled in a benchmark plan), no deductible, and fixed copays of $4.90 for generics and $12.15 for brand-name drugs.
2026 Medicare Costs Without Assistance (For Comparison)
Understanding what these programs save you requires knowing the base costs:
| Medicare Cost | 2026 Amount |
|---|
| Part B monthly premium | $202.90 |
| Part B annual deductible | $283 |
| Part A inpatient deductible | $1,736 per benefit period |
| Part A premium (30 to 39 quarters) | $311/month |
| Part A premium (fewer than 30 quarters) | $565/month |
| Part A coinsurance (days 61 to 90) | $434/day |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance (days 21 to 100) | $217/day |
A QMB enrollee who needs a hospital stay could avoid thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs in a single year.
How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Arkansas
Arkansas processes MSP applications through DHS. There are three ways to apply:
1. Apply online
Visit access.arkansas.gov and create or log into your account. Select "Apply for Benefits" and choose health coverage. The online portal guides you through the application.
2. Apply by phone
Call Arkansas DHS at 1-800-482-8988. Representatives can take your application over the phone or schedule an appointment at a local office. TTY users can call 1-800-285-1131.
3. Apply in person
Bring your documents to your local Arkansas DHS county office. Find the nearest office at humanservices.arkansas.gov.
Documents to Bring
Gather these before applying to avoid delays:
- Medicare card (shows your Medicare number and Part A and Part B start dates)
- Proof of income: Social Security award letter, pay stubs, pension statements
- Proof of identity: driver's license or state ID, birth certificate
- Proof of residence: utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your address
- Asset information: bank statements, investment account statements
- If married: spouse's income and asset information
Processing Time
Arkansas DHS processes MSP applications in up to 45 days. Benefits can be applied retroactively to the month you applied if you are approved.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1. Confirm you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. MSPs require active Medicare enrollment.
Step 2. Gather the documents listed above.
Step 3. Choose your application method: online at access.arkansas.gov, by phone at 1-800-482-8988, or in person.
Step 4. Complete the Application for Medicare Savings for Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary, and Qualifying Individual (form DCO-0808). This single form covers all three MSP tiers. Arkansas DHS will determine which tier you qualify for.
Step 5. Submit your application with supporting documents. If applying in person or by mail, attach copies (not originals) of your documents.
Step 6. Wait for a determination letter. If approved, your benefits start the month you applied. If denied, you have the right to appeal within 30 days.
Step 7. If you qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you are automatically enrolled in Extra Help for Part D. You do not need a separate application.
Free Help Applying: Arkansas SHIP
The Arkansas State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their options and apply for assistance.
- Phone: 1-800-224-6330
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Website: insurance.arkansas.gov/health-insurance/seniors
SHIP counselors can help you compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, identify savings programs you qualify for, and guide you through the application process at no cost.
Who Qualifies: Key Eligibility Rules
Beyond income and assets, Arkansas MSPs have a few baseline requirements:
- You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A
- You must be a resident of Arkansas
- For QI: you cannot be enrolled in full Medicaid (ARHOME or ARKids)
- Income and assets are counted for you (and your spouse if married); income from other household members generally does not count
Certain types of income are excluded from the calculation, including the first $20 of most income, irregular gifts, and some government assistance payments. DHS applies these exclusions automatically when reviewing your application.
Check Your Eligibility Now
Not sure if you qualify? Use the free benefits screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check your eligibility for Arkansas Medicare Savings Programs and other assistance programs in about two minutes.
You can also learn more about all Arkansas benefits programs at benefitsusa.org/states/arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits for Medicare Savings Programs in Arkansas in 2026?
For 2026, QMB covers individuals with income up to $1,350 per month and couples up to $1,824. SLMB covers individuals from $1,351 to $1,616 and couples from $1,825 to $2,184. QI covers individuals from $1,617 to $1,816 and couples from $2,185 to $2,455. These are gross monthly income limits based on federal SSA figures effective February 2026.
Does Arkansas have an asset limit for Medicare Savings Programs?
Yes. The 2026 asset limit is $9,950 for individuals and $14,910 for couples for all three MSP tiers. Your home, one car, and personal belongings do not count toward the limit.
If I qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, do I also get Extra Help for prescriptions?
Yes. Enrollment in any MSP tier (QMB, SLMB, or QI) automatically qualifies you for full Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) for Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. You do not need to apply separately.
How do I apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Arkansas?
You can apply online at access.arkansas.gov, by phone at 1-800-482-8988, or in person at your local DHS office. The application covers all three MSP tiers on one form. Processing takes up to 45 days.
What does QMB cover that SLMB does not?
QMB covers your Medicare Part B and Part A premiums, plus all cost-sharing: deductibles, coinsurance, and copays for both Part A and Part B. SLMB only pays your Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026). It does not cover deductibles or coinsurance.
Can I get a Medicare Savings Program if I am already on Medicaid?
If you are enrolled in full Arkansas Medicaid (ARHOME), you generally qualify for QMB automatically. You cannot qualify for QI while on full Medicaid, but QMB and SLMB are available. Contact DHS to confirm your current coverage.
What is the Medicare Part B premium in 2026?
The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026, up from $185.00 in 2025. MSPs pay this premium on your behalf if you qualify.
How do I get free help understanding my Medicare options in Arkansas?
Contact the Arkansas SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) at 1-800-224-6330. Counselors are available Monday through Friday and provide free, unbiased help with Medicare coverage and savings programs.
