Tennessee Medicare Income Limits 2026
These are the official 2026 income and resource limits for Tennessee, based on SSA guidelines effective for the 2026 benefit year.
QMB Income Limits (100% FPL)
QMB covers the full range of Medicare cost-sharing: Part A and Part B premiums (if applicable), deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $1,350 |
| Married Couple | $1,824 |
SLMB Income Limits (120% FPL)
SLMB pays your Medicare Part B premium, which is $185.00 per month in 2026. Income must fall between the QMB limit and the SLMB ceiling.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $1,616 |
| Married Couple | $2,184 |
QI Income Limits (135% FPL)
QI also pays your Part B premium. It serves beneficiaries whose income is above SLMB but below 135% FPL. Funding for QI is capped, so it operates on a first-come, first-served basis each year.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $1,816 |
| Married Couple | $2,455 |
Combined MSP Summary Table
| Program | Income Limit (Individual) | Income Limit (Couple) | What It Pays |
|---|
| QMB | $1,350/month | $1,824/month | Part A + B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance |
| SLMB | $1,616/month | $2,184/month | Part B premium only |
| QI | $1,816/month | $2,455/month | Part B premium only |
These figures include the standard $20 monthly income disregard applied to all MSP income calculations.
Asset Limits for Tennessee Medicare Savings Programs
In addition to income, Tennessee applies resource limits. Resources (also called assets) include savings accounts, checking accounts, stocks, bonds, and similar financial holdings. Countable resources do NOT include your home, one vehicle, personal belongings, or burial funds up to certain limits.
| Program | Individual Asset Limit | Couple Asset Limit |
|---|
| QMB | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| SLMB | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| QI | $9,950 | $14,910 |
Tennessee follows the updated 2026 federal resource limits, which were raised compared to prior years. Note that some states have eliminated the asset test entirely, but Tennessee still applies these limits.
Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy) in Tennessee
Tennessee residents enrolled in any Medicare Savings Program are automatically enrolled in Extra Help, also called the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
Extra Help benefits in 2026:
- $0 premium on benchmark Part D plans
- $0 Part D deductible
- Copays capped at $5.10 for generics and $12.65 for brand-name drugs
- No coverage gap (donut hole)
- Once your out-of-pocket drug costs reach $2,100, copays drop to $0
If you are not enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program, you can still apply for Extra Help separately through the Social Security Administration. The income limit for standalone Extra Help is $1,971 per month for individuals and $2,663 per month for couples in 2026.
What Does QMB Actually Cover?
QMB is the most valuable of the three programs. If you qualify, Medicare providers are legally prohibited from billing you for any Part A or Part B cost-sharing. That includes:
- Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026)
- Medicare Part A premium (if you owe one, up to $518/month)
- Part A hospital deductible ($1,676 per benefit period in 2026)
- Part B deductible ($257 in 2026)
- All Part A and Part B coinsurance and copayments
In practice, QMB can save a qualifying Tennessee resident over $3,000 per year in Medicare costs, and potentially much more if they have significant medical needs.
Who Counts as a "Household" for MSP Purposes?
For married individuals, Tennessee counts the combined income of both spouses when determining MSP eligibility. If you are single, only your own income counts. If you live with other relatives who are not your spouse, their income does not count toward your MSP limit.
Income that counts toward the limit includes Social Security benefits, pension payments, wages, and most other income sources. The $20 monthly disregard is applied before comparing your income to the limit.
How to Apply for Tennessee Medicare Savings Programs
Tennessee processes MSP applications through TennCare. There are three ways to apply.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you apply, collect the following:
- Medicare card (showing Part A enrollment)
- Social Security card or number
- Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pay stubs, pension statements)
- Bank statements for the most recent month
- Property or investment account statements if applicable
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
Online: Apply at TennCareConnect.TN.gov. You can create an account and submit your application digitally. This is the fastest method and allows you to track your application status.
Phone: Call TennCare Connect at 855-259-0701. A representative can walk you through the application over the phone. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.
Paper: Download the paper application at tn.gov/tenncare and mail it to:
TennCare Connect
P.O. Box 305240
Nashville, TN 37230-5240
Or fax it to 1-855-315-0669.
Step 3: Complete the Application
The application asks for your household information, income sources, and assets. Be thorough and accurate. Missing information is the most common cause of delays.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
TennCare is required to process MSP applications within 45 days. Most applicants receive a decision sooner. If approved, coverage may be retroactive to the month you applied.
Step 5: Get Free Help
The Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP) provides free, unbiased counseling for Medicare beneficiaries. Counselors can help you determine which program you qualify for, gather documents, and complete your application.
Contact TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044.
Does Enrollment Change Each Year?
Yes. If you are currently enrolled in a Tennessee Medicare Savings Program, TennCare reviews your eligibility annually. You will receive a renewal notice, typically 60 days before your renewal date. Respond promptly to avoid a gap in coverage.
If your income or assets change during the year (up or down), report the change to TennCare. An income decrease may make you newly eligible for a higher-benefit program.
Tennessee Medicare vs. TennCare: What Is the Difference?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and certain people with disabilities. It is administered by the federal government and has no income requirement.
TennCare is Tennessee's Medicaid program. It provides health coverage to low-income Tennesseans and has income and asset limits. Many low-income seniors are enrolled in both Medicare and TennCare simultaneously, often called "dual eligible" status. In this case, TennCare pays most of the remaining costs that Medicare does not cover.
Dual eligibility is different from the Medicare Savings Programs. The MSPs specifically help people who qualify for Medicare but not necessarily full TennCare coverage.
Check Your Eligibility
If your income is anywhere near the limits above, it is worth taking 5 minutes to check. Even if you do not qualify for the full QMB benefit, SLMB or QI eligibility saves you $185 per month on your Part B premium alone, which adds up to $2,220 per year.
Use the Benefits Navigator free screener to check your estimated eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs and other assistance programs available to Tennessee residents. You can also visit our Tennessee benefits guide for a full list of programs you may qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicare in Tennessee in 2026?
The income limit depends on which Medicare Savings Program you are applying for. For QMB, the 2026 limit is $1,350 per month for an individual and $1,824 for a married couple. For SLMB, the limit is $1,616 (individual) and $2,184 (couple). For QI, it is $1,816 (individual) and $2,455 (couple).
Does Tennessee have an asset limit for Medicare Savings Programs?
Yes. Tennessee uses the 2026 federal resource limits: $9,950 for individuals and $14,910 for couples. Your home, one vehicle, and personal property do not count toward this limit.
How do I apply for Tennessee Medicare Savings Programs?
Apply online at TennCareConnect.TN.gov, call 855-259-0701, or mail a paper application to TennCare Connect, P.O. Box 305240, Nashville, TN 37230-5240. For free help, contact TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044.
What does QMB cover in Tennessee?
QMB covers Medicare Part B premiums ($185/month in 2026), Part A premiums if applicable, the Part A hospital deductible, the Part B deductible, and all Part A and Part B coinsurance. Providers cannot bill QMB-enrolled patients for these costs.
If I have QMB, do I automatically get Extra Help for prescriptions?
Yes. All Tennessee Medicare Savings Program enrollees (QMB, SLMB, and QI) are automatically enrolled in Extra Help for Part D prescription drugs. This reduces drug copays to $5.10 for generics and $12.65 for brand-name drugs in 2026.
My income is slightly above the QMB limit. Can I still get help?
Yes. If your income is between the QMB limit and $1,616/month (individual) or $2,184/month (couple), you may qualify for SLMB, which pays the Part B premium. If your income is up to $1,816/month (individual) or $2,455/month (couple), you may qualify for QI. Apply and let TennCare determine which program fits.
How long does Tennessee take to process an MSP application?
TennCare must process Medicare Savings Program applications within 45 days. Many applicants receive a decision faster. If approved, coverage is typically effective the first day of the month you applied.
Does Social Security income count toward Tennessee MSP income limits?
Yes, Social Security income counts. However, TennCare applies a $20 monthly income disregard before comparing your income to the limit. So if you receive $1,360/month in Social Security, your countable income for QMB purposes would be $1,340, putting you below the $1,350 QMB limit.
