Georgia residents on Medicare can get significant help with their premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs through the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) and the federal Extra Help program for prescription drugs. In 2026, these programs cover millions of low-to-moderate-income beneficiaries nationwide, and Georgia administers them through the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). This guide covers every income limit, what each program pays, and the exact steps to apply.
What Are Georgia's Medicare Savings Programs?
Medicare Savings Programs are state-administered programs funded jointly by the state and federal government. Georgia offers four:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) -- the most comprehensive coverage
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) -- covers Part B premiums
- Qualifying Individual (QI) -- covers Part B premiums at a higher income band
- Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI) -- covers Part A premiums for working disabled adults under 65
Enrollment in any MSP also automatically qualifies you for Medicare Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy), which reduces Part D prescription drug costs. You do not need to apply separately.
2026 Georgia Medicare Income Limits by Program
The table below shows the 2026 monthly income limits for Georgia. These reflect the 2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines, which updated in January 2026. Georgia does not apply additional income disregards beyond the standard $20 general disregard built into the federal thresholds.
Income Limits Table
| Program | Individual Monthly Income | Couple Monthly Income | FPL Threshold |
|---|
| QMB | Up to $1,350 | Up to $1,824 | 100% FPL |
| SLMB | $1,351 to $1,616 | $1,825 to $2,184 | 100% to 120% FPL |
| QI | $1,617 to $1,816 | $2,185 to $2,455 | 120% to 135% FPL |
| QDWI | Up to $4,615 | Up to $6,239 | Up to 200% FPL |
| Extra Help (Full) | Up to $1,903 | Up to $2,572 | Up to 150% FPL |
Note: Income includes Social Security benefits, wages, pensions, and most other regular income sources. The $20 general income disregard is already factored into the QMB, SLMB, and QI limits above.
Asset (Resource) Limits
| Program | Individual Asset Limit | Couple Asset Limit |
|---|
| QMB | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| SLMB | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| QI | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| Extra Help (Full) | $16,590 | $33,100 |
Assets that do NOT count toward these limits include your primary home, one vehicle, household goods, personal belongings, and burial funds up to $1,500 per person.
What Each Program Pays in 2026
QMB: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
QMB is the most valuable of the four programs. If you qualify, Georgia's Medicaid program pays:
- Your Medicare Part B standard monthly premium ($202.90 in 2026)
- Your Medicare Part A premium (if you owe one)
- Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles
- Medicare Part A and Part B coinsurance and copayments
QMB beneficiaries cannot be billed for Medicare cost-sharing by any provider who accepts Medicare. If a provider attempts to bill you for deductibles or copays, you have the right to refuse payment and report the billing violation to 1-800-MEDICARE.
SLMB: Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
SLMB covers one thing: your $202.90 monthly Medicare Part B premium. If you are enrolled in SLMB, the state pays this premium on your behalf. For someone on a fixed income, this saves $2,434.80 per year.
QI: Qualifying Individual
QI has the same benefit as SLMB, covering the monthly Part B premium. The key differences are:
- QI income limits are higher than SLMB, reaching up to 135% FPL
- QI is a limited-enrollment program funded by annual federal block grants, so spots can fill up
- Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis each year
- You must reapply every year (unlike QMB and SLMB, which do annual renewals)
QDWI: Qualified Disabled Working Individual
QDWI is designed for people under 65 who are working with a disability, lost Medicare coverage because they returned to work, and cannot afford Part A premiums on their own. The program covers the Medicare Part A premium, which is $285 per month in 2026 for those who did not work enough quarters to earn premium-free Part A.
Income limits for QDWI are higher than the other programs (up to 200% FPL), but applicants cannot qualify for Medicaid or other Medicare Savings Programs.
Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) for Part D
Extra Help is a federal program that reduces prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries with limited income. In 2026, the income limit for the full subsidy is $1,903 per month for an individual ($22,836 per year) and $2,572 per month for a couple ($30,864 per year).
Qualifying for QMB, SLMB, or QI automatically grants you Extra Help with no separate application needed. If your income is above MSP limits but still below 150% FPL, you can apply directly for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration.
What Extra Help covers in 2026:
- Reduced or eliminated Part D monthly premiums
- Reduced deductibles (as low as $0 for full subsidy recipients)
- Copays capped at $4.90 for generics and $12.15 for brand-name drugs in 2026
Medicare Part B Costs in 2026 That These Programs Can Cover
The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026, up from $185.00 in 2025. The Part B annual deductible is $283 in 2026.
For beneficiaries with income above $109,000 (individual) or $218,000 (couple), IRMAA surcharges apply and push total Part B premiums as high as $689.90 per month. MSPs do not cover IRMAA surcharges for high-income beneficiaries, but most people who qualify for MSPs earn far below those thresholds.
Who Qualifies: Full Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for any Georgia Medicare Savings Program in 2026, you must meet all of the following:
- Be a Georgia resident
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualifying immigration status
- Be enrolled in Medicare Part A (or eligible for it)
- Meet the income limit for the specific program
- Meet the asset limit for the specific program
Age is not a strict requirement in isolation. People under 65 who receive Medicare due to disability can qualify for QMB, SLMB, and QI. QDWI applies only to those under 65 who are working.
Georgia does not count the following as income:
- The first $20 of most monthly income
- The first $65 of earned income (wages), plus half of any remaining earned income
- SNAP benefits
- Home energy assistance
- Most educational scholarships and grants
How to Apply for Georgia Medicare Savings Programs
Georgia processes MSP applications through the Division of Family and Children Services. There are three ways to apply:
Option 1: Apply Online at Gateway.ga.gov
The online portal is the fastest method for most applicants.
- Go to www.gateway.ga.gov
- Create an account or log in if you already have one
- Select "Apply for Benefits" and choose Medicaid/Medicare Savings Programs
- Complete the application form (Form 700), which typically takes 30 to 60 minutes
- Upload or mail any required documents
- Submit your application
You will receive a confirmation number. Georgia has up to 45 days to process Medicaid and MSP applications.
Option 2: Call DFCS
Call the Georgia DFCS Customer Contact Center at 877-423-4746, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A representative can walk you through the application over the phone or mail you a paper form.
Option 3: Visit a County DFCS Office
You can apply in person at your local county DFCS office. Bring documents with you to speed up processing. To find your nearest office, search the DFCS office locator on the Georgia Department of Human Services website.
Documents to Bring or Upload
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of Medicare enrollment (Medicare card or Social Security letter)
- Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pay stubs, pension statements)
- Bank statements or documents showing total assets
- Proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or official mail)
After You Apply
Georgia sends written notice of approval or denial within 45 days. If approved, coverage typically begins the month after your eligibility determination. If denied, you have the right to appeal. Request a fair hearing within 30 days of receiving your denial notice.
Automatic Enrollment and Social Security Administration Route
You can also apply for Extra Help directly through the Social Security Administration:
- Online at www.ssa.gov/extrahelp
- By phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
- In person at your local Social Security office
When SSA approves your Extra Help application, they forward your information to Georgia DFCS to determine if you also qualify for an MSP. This dual-screening process means one application can open the door to multiple programs.
How Much Can You Save?
The potential annual savings from these programs are substantial:
| Program | Estimated Annual Savings |
|---|
| QMB | $2,435 (Part B premium) + deductibles + all cost-sharing |
| SLMB | $2,435 (Part B premium savings) |
| QI | $2,435 (Part B premium savings) |
| Extra Help (Full) | $4,000 to $6,000 in drug cost savings (varies by plan) |
For someone enrolled in QMB plus Full Extra Help, total annual savings can exceed $7,000 to $10,000 depending on health care use and medications.
Check Your Eligibility Now
Not sure which program fits your income and household size? Use the free eligibility screener at BenefitsUSA.org/screener to check your eligibility for Georgia Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, Medicaid, SNAP, and more in under five minutes. There is no cost and no obligation.
You can also explore all Georgia assistance programs at BenefitsUSA.org/states/georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for QMB in Georgia in 2026?
The QMB income limit in Georgia for 2026 is $1,350 per month for an individual and $1,824 per month for a couple. These amounts already include the $20 general income disregard and correspond to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Does Georgia have asset limits for Medicare Savings Programs?
Yes. In 2026, the asset limits are $9,950 for an individual and $14,910 for a couple across QMB, SLMB, and QI programs. Your home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and household goods do not count toward these limits.
Can I get Medicare Savings Programs if I am under 65?
Yes. If you receive Medicare due to a disability, you can qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI based on the same income and asset limits that apply to seniors. The QDWI program is specifically designed for working disabled adults under 65 who lost Medicare coverage after returning to work.
Does enrolling in QMB or SLMB automatically give me Extra Help for prescriptions?
Yes. Enrollment in any Georgia Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, or QI) automatically qualifies you for Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) with Medicare Part D. You do not need to submit a separate application to Social Security.
How long does Georgia take to process a Medicare Savings Program application?
Georgia has up to 45 days to process MSP applications. Online applications at Gateway.ga.gov typically move faster than paper applications mailed to DFCS.
Will Medicare Savings Programs affect my Medicare Advantage plan?
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, QMB still covers your cost-sharing, though the mechanics vary by plan. You remain enrolled in your Advantage plan. QMB prohibits providers and plans from billing you for cost-sharing amounts that Medicare covers. Contact your plan directly to confirm how QMB interacts with your specific coverage.
Can I apply for Extra Help even if I don't qualify for a Medicare Savings Program?
Yes. If your income is below 150% FPL but above the MSP thresholds, you can apply directly for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov/extrahelp or by calling 1-800-772-1213. SSA will also screen you for MSP eligibility through Georgia DFCS.
What if I was previously denied for a Medicare Savings Program?
Income limits and asset limits change each year, so a denial in a prior year does not prevent you from reapplying in 2026. If your income or assets have decreased, or if the program limits have increased above your prior income level, you may now qualify. You can also appeal any denial within 30 days by requesting a fair hearing from Georgia DFCS.
