Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs that pay your Medicare Part B premium — and sometimes your Part A deductibles and copays. They're separate from Extra Help (which pays drug costs) but you typically qualify for both if your income is low enough.
The four MSPs:
1. QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
Eligibility (2026 estimates, vary by state):
- Income limit: ~$1,275/month single, ~$1,724/month married
- Resource limit: ~$9,660 single, ~$14,470 married
What QMB pays:
- Part B premium ($202.90/month savings = $2,435/year)
- Part A premium (if you owe one — most don't)
- All Part A and Part B deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
- You should pay $0 to providers for Medicare-covered services if you're QMB. Providers cannot bill QMB members for cost-sharing.
QMB members are also automatically eligible for Extra Help on prescriptions.
2. SLMB — Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
Eligibility (2026):
- Income limit: ~$1,526/month single, ~$2,064/month married
- Resource limit: ~$9,660 single, ~$14,470 married
What SLMB pays:
- Part B premium only ($202.90/month = $2,435/year)
- Does NOT pay Part A or Part B deductibles/copays
SLMB members are also automatically eligible for Extra Help on prescriptions.
3. QI — Qualifying Individual
Eligibility (2026):
- Income limit: ~$1,715/month single, ~$2,320/month married
- Resource limit: ~$9,660 single, ~$14,470 married
What QI pays:
- Part B premium only ($202.90/month = $2,435/year)
- First-come, first-served (limited federal funding)
- Cannot also get Medicaid
QI members are also automatically eligible for Extra Help on prescriptions.
4. QDWI — Qualified Disabled and Working Individual
For under-65 disabled people who returned to work and lost premium-free Part A. Helps pay Part A premium only. Higher income limits than QMB/SLMB/QI. Rare program.
State-by-state variation:
- Most states use the federal income/resource limits above
- Some states have HIGHER income limits: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Maine, Mississippi, New York, Vermont — check your state Medicaid office
- Some states have NO resource test: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Mississippi, New York, Vermont — substantially expands eligibility
- California uses different rules and has higher limits
Resources that don't count:
- Your primary home (any value)
- One vehicle
- Household goods, personal effects
- Burial expenses up to $1,500 each
- Life insurance with face value under $1,500
Resources that DO count:
- Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
- Stocks, bonds, mutual funds
- IRAs and 401(k)s — though some states exclude when they're the spouse's
- Real estate other than your primary home
- Cash on hand
How to apply:
- Apply through your state Medicaid office (not Social Security)
- In most states: online application, paper application, in-person visit, or call
- Some states use a shared application form for Medicaid + MSP
- Free help from State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at 1-877-839-2675
- Many people qualify but never apply because they think they have too much money — REMEMBER, primary home and one car don't count
Approval timing: 30–60 days typical. Once approved, MSP enrollment can be retroactive up to 3 months (i.e., you can recoup Part B premiums you already paid in those months).
Why this matters financially:
A QMB-eligible senior who isn't enrolled is overpaying about $3,500–$5,000 per year for Medicare cost-sharing. Over 10 years, that's $35,000–$50,000.
The national MSP enrollment rate is far below eligibility — millions of seniors qualify but never apply. If you're at or below the income limits, apply even if you think you have too many resources; the home and vehicle exemptions surprise people.
Combining MSP with Extra Help:
If you qualify for any MSP (QMB, SLMB, QI), you AUTOMATICALLY qualify for Extra Help on prescription drugs. Extra Help eliminates Part D premium and reduces drug copays to $4.90/$12.15. Combined with MSP, your total Medicare out-of-pocket can be near zero.
What to do next: Call (866) 534-1886. We screen you for QMB/SLMB/QI eligibility, help with the application process, and pair you with the best Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare + Part D plan that maximizes your subsidies. Free.