The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for premiums, deductibles, and copayments. In 2026, the four MSP programs cover income levels from 100% up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), with income limits that vary by state. If you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and have limited income, you may qualify for one of these programs right now without knowing it.
The four programs are QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary), SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary), QI (Qualifying Individual), and QDWI (Qualified Disabled and Working Individual). Each covers different Medicare costs, and your income determines which one you qualify for. Most states follow federal income limits, but Alaska, Hawaii, Connecticut, and several others set higher thresholds or remove asset tests entirely.
Use the free Benefits Navigator screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check your eligibility across all four programs based on your state, income, and household size.
The 4 Medicare Savings Programs Explained
Each program targets a different income range and covers different Medicare costs.
| Program | Who It Covers | Income Range | What It Pays |
|---|
| QMB | Lowest income Medicare enrollees | Up to 100% FPL | Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and copayments |
| SLMB | Slightly higher income | 100-120% FPL | Part B premium only ($202.90/month in 2026) |
| QI | Moderate low income | 120-135% FPL | Part B premium only (first-come, first-served) |
| QDWI | Disabled workers under 65 | Up to 400% FPL | Part A premium only |
QMB is the most comprehensive. It eliminates virtually all Medicare cost-sharing, meaning providers cannot bill you for deductibles or copays once you are enrolled. SLMB and QI each save you $202.90 per month on the Part B premium, which adds up to $2,434.80 per year. QDWI is narrower: it applies only to adults under 65 who had a disability, returned to work, and lost premium-free Part A.
Enrollment in any MSP also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, a federal program that covers Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. In 2026, Extra Help means no Part D premium, no deductible, and copayments of approximately $5.10 for generics and $12.65 for brand-name drugs.
2026 Income Limits: Most States (48 States and DC)
The table below shows 2026 monthly gross income limits for the 48 contiguous states and Washington DC.
| Program | Individual (Monthly) | Couple (Monthly) | FPL % |
|---|
| QMB | $1,350 | $1,824 | Up to 100% FPL |
| SLMB | $1,616 | $2,184 | 100-120% FPL |
| QI | $1,816 | $2,455 | 120-135% FPL |
| QDWI | $5,405 | $7,299 | Up to 400% FPL |
These limits include a $20 income disregard applied to most income. Your gross income is measured before deductions. Social Security income, wages, pensions, and most other regular income count. Some states disregard additional income types, which can raise your effective eligibility limit above what is shown here.
2026 Income Limits: Alaska
Alaska has significantly higher income limits because the federal poverty guidelines in Alaska are set higher to reflect the state's cost of living.
| Program | Individual (Monthly) | Couple (Monthly) |
|---|
| QMB | $1,683 | $2,275 |
| SLMB | $2,015 | $2,725 |
| QI | $2,265 | $3,064 |
| QDWI | $6,735 | $9,102 |
2026 Income Limits: Hawaii
Hawaii also uses higher FPL guidelines.
| Program | Individual (Monthly) | Couple (Monthly) |
|---|
| QMB | $1,545 | $2,089 |
| SLMB | $1,854 | $2,509 |
| QI | $2,084 | $2,820 |
| QDWI | $6,181 | $8,356 |
2026 Income Limits: Connecticut
Connecticut sets its own MSP income thresholds, which are substantially higher than the federal minimums. Connecticut also does not apply any asset test for MSP eligibility.
| Program | Individual (Monthly) | Couple (Monthly) |
|---|
| QMB | $2,807 | $3,806 |
| SLMB | $3,073 | $4,166 |
Connecticut residents with income above the federal limit but below Connecticut's thresholds would not qualify in most states but do qualify in Connecticut.
Asset Limits by State
Most states require that your countable assets fall below a set limit. Assets that count include checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and other investments. Assets that do not count include your primary home, one vehicle, personal property, burial plots, and life insurance with a cash value under $1,500.
| Program | Most States (Individual) | Most States (Couple) |
|---|
| QMB | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| SLMB | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| QI | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| QDWI | $4,000 | $6,000 |
A growing number of states have eliminated the asset test entirely. States with no asset limits for MSP as of 2026 include Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Vermont. If you live in one of these states, only your income matters for eligibility.
What Counts as Income
The programs count most income sources, including Social Security benefits, wages, pensions, rental income, and interest. The standard $20 disregard means the first $20 of monthly income is not counted.
Income that is typically not counted includes the value of SNAP benefits, most home energy assistance (LIHEAP), certain veterans' benefits, and irregular or infrequent income under $20. If you earn wages, an additional $65 per month plus half of remaining wages is excluded.
If your income is just over the limit, contact your state Medicaid office. Many states have additional disregards or variations that could make you eligible even when your gross income appears to exceed the threshold.
How to Apply for the Medicare Savings Program
The MSP is administered by state Medicaid agencies, not directly by Medicare. You apply through your state, not through Social Security or Medicare.gov.
Step 1: Check your income and assets. Compare your monthly gross income to the limits for your state in the tables above. If you are close to the limit, still apply. States often have additional income disregards not reflected in the published numbers.
Step 2: Gather your documents. You will typically need your Medicare card (Parts A and B), proof of income (recent Social Security award letter, pay stubs, pension statements), proof of identity (driver's license or ID), and bank or investment account statements if your state has an asset test.
Step 3: Contact your state Medicaid office. You can find your state's Medicaid office by visiting Medicaid.gov or calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Many states allow online applications. Others require an in-person or mail application.
Step 4: Get free help if needed. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased help with MSP applications. Call 1-877-839-2675 to find your local SHIP counselor. The National Council on Aging's BenefitsCheckUp tool at benefitscheckup.org also helps identify eligibility.
Step 5: Submit and follow up. After submitting, your state Medicaid agency will review the application and notify you in writing. Processing times vary by state but typically take two to four weeks. If approved, benefits are often retroactive to the month you applied.
Step 6: Reapply annually. Most MSP enrollments require an annual renewal. Your state will usually send a renewal notice. If you miss it, you may lose coverage temporarily. Set a reminder each year.
What QMB Enrollment Means for Your Bills
QMB comes with a strong protection that many beneficiaries do not know about: providers participating in Medicare cannot bill you for cost-sharing. This includes deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. If a doctor or hospital charges you after confirming your QMB status, you have the right to dispute that bill. Medicare has a process for handling these complaints through its QMB billing protections.
In practice, this means a QMB beneficiary with a hospitalization that would cost a non-QMB person several thousand dollars in cost-sharing pays nothing out of pocket. The savings can be substantial for anyone with ongoing medical needs.
QI Program: First-Come, First-Served Funding
The QI program differs from QMB and SLMB in one important way: it is funded by federal block grants to states, not as an open-ended entitlement. States receive a fixed annual allotment and must approve QI applications on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out. If the annual budget is exhausted, eligible applicants may be placed on a waiting list.
You must reapply for QI each year. Prior QI enrollment does not carry over automatically. Apply early in the calendar year to secure your spot before funds run low.
Automatic Enrollment
In many states, low-income individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically enrolled in QMB without a separate application. If you receive SSI and are also enrolled in Medicare, check your Medicare Summary Notice or contact your state Medicaid office to confirm whether you are already enrolled in MSP.
Social Security also identifies people who may qualify for Extra Help (Part D assistance) and sends notices encouraging them to apply for MSP. If you received such a notice, that is a reliable signal to submit an MSP application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for the Medicare Savings Program in 2026?
For most states, the 2026 income limits are $1,350 per month for individuals and $1,824 per month for couples for QMB; $1,616/$2,184 for SLMB; and $1,816/$2,455 for QI. Alaska, Hawaii, and Connecticut have higher limits. Income is measured as gross monthly income before deductions, with a standard $20 disregard applied.
Does the Medicare Savings Program check assets?
Most states have asset limits of $9,950 for individuals and $14,910 for couples. However, Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Vermont have eliminated the asset test entirely. Your primary home and one vehicle are not counted as assets in any state.
Can I get the Medicare Savings Program if I have Medicare Advantage?
Yes. MSP eligibility is based on your enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B, not on whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. MSP covers your Part B premium regardless of which coverage type you have. QMB cost-sharing protections apply to Medicare Advantage plans as well, though verifying coverage with your plan is recommended.
What happens if my income is just above the limit?
Apply anyway. States apply income disregards that are not always visible in published limits. Many applicants with income modestly above the published threshold qualify because of these adjustments. Your state Medicaid office can tell you exactly what income is counted in your situation.
Does the Medicare Savings Program affect my other benefits?
MSP enrollment does not reduce or eliminate other benefits such as SNAP, SSI, or Medicaid. In fact, MSP enrollment typically triggers automatic Extra Help for Part D, which can save you over $5,000 per year in drug costs.
How long does MSP approval take?
Processing times vary by state, but most applications are decided within two to four weeks. Some states process faster. Benefits are typically effective from the month you applied, so there is no benefit to waiting if you believe you qualify.
Where do I apply for the Medicare Savings Program?
You apply through your state Medicaid agency, not through Medicare directly. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to be directed to your state office, or visit your state's official Medicaid website. Free application help is available through your state SHIP program at 1-877-839-2675.
Does Medicare Savings Program enrollment renew automatically?
No. Most states require annual reapplication or renewal. Your state will send a renewal notice, but if it goes missing, your coverage could lapse. Contact your state Medicaid office each year to confirm renewal status.
Run the free eligibility screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to see which Medicare Savings Program you may qualify for based on your income, household size, and state. The screener also checks eligibility for SNAP, Extra Help, and other assistance programs in under five minutes.
