Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) — free help with premiums and cost-sharing
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Different MSP tiers cover different costs. Many beneficiaries who qualify don't apply because they don't know the program exists. Here's how each MSP works and how to apply.
Key takeaways
- Four MSPs: QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI — each with different income limits and benefits.
- QMB is the most generous: pays Part A premium, Part B premium, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
- 2026 income limits range from ~$1,300 to ~$2,400 monthly (single) depending on the program.
- Auto-qualifies you for Extra Help with prescription drug costs.
QMB: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
QMB is the most generous MSP. If you qualify:
- Medicaid pays your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums
- Medicaid pays Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
- Providers cannot bill you for Medicare cost-sharing (they must accept Medicare and Medicaid as full payment)
- You're automatically enrolled in Extra Help for Part D drug coverage
2026 QMB income limits (100% FPL): ~$1,275/month single, ~$1,724/month married. Resource limits: $9,660 single, $14,470 married.
SLMB: Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
SLMB covers less than QMB but reaches higher incomes. If you qualify:
- Medicaid pays your Medicare Part B premium (~$185/month in 2026 = ~$2,220/year saved)
- You're automatically enrolled in Extra Help for Part D drug coverage
- You're still responsible for Part A and Part B deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
2026 SLMB income limits (120% FPL): ~$1,530/month single, ~$2,068/month married. Resource limits: Same as QMB.
QI: Qualifying Individual
QI is the upper-income MSP tier. If you qualify:
- Medicaid pays your Medicare Part B premium (~$2,220/year saved)
- You're automatically enrolled in Extra Help
- You can't qualify for QI if you receive any other Medicaid benefits
2026 QI income limits (135% FPL): ~$1,720/month single, ~$2,328/month married. Resource limits: Same as QMB.
QDWI: Qualified Disabled and Working Individual
QDWI serves working disabled people under 65 who lost premium-free Part A because they returned to work. Helps pay the Part A premium only.
How to apply for an MSP
Application goes through your state Medicaid office, not Social Security or Medicare:
- Online: Most states accept MSP applications through the state Medicaid agency website.
- By phone: Call your state Medicaid office.
- In person: Visit a state Medicaid or Department of Social Services office.
- Free help: Your state's SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) can walk you through the application — find yours at shiphelp.org.
What to bring: Proof of income (last 1-2 months' pay stubs, Social Security statement), proof of resources (bank statements), Medicare card, ID, and lease/utility bill for residency proof.
Common questions
What are Medicare Savings Programs?
What's the difference between QMB, SLMB, and QI?
Do MSPs automatically enroll me in Extra Help?
How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program?
Questions about your specific situation?
A licensed SilverEdge advisor can walk through your exact options in 15 minutes by phone — free, no pressure.