The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium each month, which in 2026 is $185.00 for most people. If you qualify, that savings adds up to $2,220 per year. SLMB is one of four Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) administered through state Medicaid offices, and it targets people whose income falls between 100% and 120% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
The income cutoffs are higher than many people expect. A single person earning up to $1,616 per month may qualify. A married couple can earn up to $2,184 per month. If your income is close to those figures, it is worth applying.
What SLMB Covers
SLMB does one specific thing: it pays your Medicare Part B premium. In 2026, that premium is $185.00 per month for most enrollees (individuals with higher incomes pay more through the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA).
When Medicaid pays this premium on your behalf, you keep the full amount in your pocket every month. Over a year, that is $2,220 in savings.
Beyond the premium itself, qualifying for SLMB automatically makes you eligible for Medicare Extra Help, also called the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) for Part D prescription drug coverage. Extra Help can save you approximately $5,700 per year by lowering your drug deductibles, reducing copayments, and eliminating the coverage gap entirely.
What SLMB does not cover: Medicare Part A premiums, deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. If you need help with those costs, the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program provides broader coverage for people with incomes up to 100% FPL.
2026 SLMB Income Limits
These are the standard federal income limits for SLMB in 2026. The limits include a $20 monthly income disregard that most states apply before comparing your income to the threshold.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $1,616 | $19,392 |
| Married Couple | $2,184 | $26,208 |
These limits apply in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits due to their higher cost of living.
| State | Individual Monthly Limit | Couple Monthly Limit |
|---|
| Alaska | $1,995 | $2,705 |
| Hawaii | $1,836 | $2,489 |
Important: Several states have expanded their SLMB income limits beyond the federal minimums. Connecticut, for example, sets its limit at 231% FPL, making it far more generous than the standard federal threshold. Always check with your state Medicaid office for the limits that apply to you.
2026 SLMB Asset Limits
Most states also apply an asset (resource) test. In 2026, the standard asset limits for SLMB are:
| Asset Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $9,950 |
| Married Couple | $14,910 |
Assets that count toward this limit include checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, stocks, bonds, and most other liquid investments.
Assets that do not count include:
- Your primary home (regardless of value)
- One vehicle
- Household furniture and personal belongings
- Burial plots and prepaid funeral arrangements (up to $1,500 per person)
- Life insurance policies with a face value of $1,500 or less
Some states have eliminated the asset test entirely for Medicare Savings Programs, meaning only income matters for eligibility. Check whether your state has removed this requirement.
How SLMB Compares to Other Medicare Savings Programs
There are four Medicare Savings Programs in total. Understanding where SLMB fits helps you identify the right one to apply for.
| Program | Income Limit (Individual) | Income Limit (Couple) | What It Covers |
|---|
| QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) | $1,350/month | $1,824/month | Part A and B premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance |
| SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) | $1,616/month | $2,184/month | Part B premium only |
| QI (Qualifying Individual) | $1,816/month | $2,455/month | Part B premium only |
| QDWI (Qualified Disabled and Working Individual) | $4,615/month | $6,239/month | Part A premium only (for disabled workers under 65) |
If your income falls below $1,350 per month as a single person, you would qualify for QMB, which is the most comprehensive option. If your income is between the QMB and SLMB thresholds, SLMB is your program. If your income falls just above SLMB but still below the QI limit, the QI program provides the same Part B premium benefit.
All four programs, including SLMB, automatically qualify you for Medicare Extra Help.
What Income Counts Toward the SLMB Limit
Not every dollar you receive counts as income for SLMB purposes. States apply the same income-counting rules used for Medicaid eligibility:
Income that counts:
- Social Security retirement and disability benefits (after deducting the $20 disregard)
- Wages and self-employment income
- Pension and annuity payments
- Rental income
- Interest and dividends
Income that does not count:
- SNAP (food stamp) benefits
- Most gifts and inheritances
- The first $20 of most income (the general income disregard)
- The first $65 of earned income, plus half of remaining earned income
The $20 general income disregard is why the SLMB income limit is stated as $1,616 rather than $1,596. The program applies the disregard to your gross income before checking it against the 120% FPL threshold.
How to Apply for SLMB
You apply for SLMB through your state Medicaid office, not through Medicare or the Social Security Administration. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Check your income and assets. Compare your monthly income and assets to the limits listed above. Income is typically your gross monthly amount before any deductions.
Step 2: Gather your documents. You will generally need:
- Medicare card (showing your Medicare ID number)
- Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pay stubs, pension statements)
- Proof of identity (driver's license or state ID)
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
- Bank statements showing current assets
Step 3: Contact your state Medicaid office. You can find your state office at medicaid.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Many states allow you to apply online, by mail, or in person.
Step 4: Get free application help. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased help with Medicare Savings Program applications. Call the SHIP hotline at 1-877-839-2675 or visit shiphelp.org. SHIP counselors can help you gather documents, complete the application, and identify other programs you may qualify for.
Step 5: Submit your application. After submission, most states process SLMB applications within 45 days. If approved, your Part B premium savings typically begin in the month after you qualify.
Step 6: Renew annually. SLMB eligibility is not permanent. Most states require annual renewal. You will receive a renewal notice by mail, and failing to respond can result in losing coverage.
What Happens When You Are Approved
Once approved for SLMB, your state Medicaid program pays your Medicare Part B premium directly. You do not receive a check. Instead, the premium is deducted from what you owe each month, and if you have been paying the premium out of pocket while your application was pending, you may receive a retroactive refund going back up to three months in some states.
Your approval for SLMB also triggers automatic enrollment in Medicare Extra Help for Part D. You do not need to apply separately. The Social Security Administration is notified of your SLMB status and enrolls you automatically.
States With More Generous SLMB Rules
Because SLMB is jointly funded by the federal government and states, states can choose to expand eligibility beyond the federal minimums. A few things to know:
- Higher income limits: Some states, including Connecticut and New York, set income limits well above 120% FPL.
- No asset test: Several states have eliminated the asset test for Medicare Savings Programs entirely.
- Retroactive coverage: Rules about how far back coverage can begin vary by state.
If you are close to the federal income limits but do not quite qualify, it is still worth contacting your state Medicaid office. Your state may have more generous rules.
SLMB and Medicare Extra Help Combined Value
The financial value of SLMB goes beyond the Part B premium. When you factor in Medicare Extra Help for Part D, the combined annual savings can be substantial:
| Benefit | Estimated Annual Savings |
|---|
| Part B premium (SLMB) | $2,220 |
| Medicare Extra Help (Part D) | Up to $5,700 |
| Total estimated annual savings | Up to $7,920 |
These are estimates and your actual savings will depend on your specific Part D plan and prescription needs. But for someone on a fixed income, nearly $8,000 in potential savings makes SLMB well worth pursuing.
Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for SLMB alongside other programs including SNAP, Medicaid, and LIHEAP in just a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SLMB stand for?
SLMB stands for Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary. It is one of four Medicare Savings Programs that help people with limited income pay for Medicare costs. SLMB specifically pays the Medicare Part B monthly premium.
What are the SLMB income limits for 2026?
For 2026, the standard SLMB income limit is $1,616 per month for an individual and $2,184 per month for a married couple. These figures include the standard $20 monthly income disregard and apply in most states. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.
Does SLMB pay the Medicare Part B premium?
Yes. SLMB pays your full Medicare Part B premium, which is $185.00 per month for most enrollees in 2026. This comes to $2,220 in annual savings.
Does SLMB help with Part D prescription drug costs?
SLMB itself does not directly pay for Part D costs, but qualifying for SLMB automatically qualifies you for Medicare Extra Help (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy). Extra Help reduces drug costs significantly, potentially saving you up to $5,700 per year.
What assets can I have and still qualify for SLMB?
The standard 2026 asset limit is $9,950 for an individual and $14,910 for a couple. Your primary home, one vehicle, household belongings, and burial funds generally do not count. Some states have eliminated the asset test entirely.
Can I get SLMB and Medicaid at the same time?
In some cases, yes. If your income is very low, you may qualify for full Medicaid coverage in addition to SLMB. However, people who qualify for full Medicaid typically qualify for QMB rather than SLMB. Your state Medicaid office can determine which programs apply to your situation.
How do I apply for SLMB?
Apply through your state Medicaid office. You can find your state's application process at medicaid.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or by contacting your local SHIP counselor at 1-877-839-2675. Many states offer online applications.
Is there an income limit for SLMB that is higher than QMB?
Yes. SLMB serves people with slightly higher incomes than QMB. The QMB income limit for a single person in 2026 is $1,350 per month, while the SLMB limit is $1,616 per month. If your income is too high for QMB, check whether you qualify for SLMB.
Do I need to reapply for SLMB each year?
Yes. SLMB eligibility must be renewed annually. Your state will send you a renewal notice. Make sure your contact information is up to date with your Medicaid office so you do not miss the renewal deadline and lose coverage.
Does SLMB cover Medicare copayments?
No. SLMB only covers the Part B premium. If you need help with Medicare copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance, the QMB program provides that broader coverage. QMB has a lower income limit ($1,350/month for individuals), so you would need income below that threshold to qualify.
