Medicare Savings Programs: Help Paying Your Part B Premiums

Medicare Savings Programs are state-run programs that help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare costs. All three main programs, Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and Qualifying Individual (QI), help pay the Part B premium, which is $202.90 a month for most people in 2026, and the QMB program also covers Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. You apply through your state, and Medicare.gov encourages you to apply even if you don't think you qualify.

What are Medicare Savings Programs?

Medicare.gov describes Medicare Savings Programs as help from your state paying Part A and Part B premiums. Depending on the program, they may also pay Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

There are four programs:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
• Qualifying Individual (QI)
• Qualified Disabled & Working Individuals (QDWI)

When you apply, your state decides which one you qualify for.

What does each program pay for?

QMB: Part A premiums (if you don't have premium-free Part A), plus Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for Medicare-covered services. Medicare.gov says if you're in QMB, Medicare providers aren't allowed to bill you for covered services and items, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. You may get a bill for a small Medicaid copayment.

SLMB: Part B premiums only. You must have both Part A and Part B.

QI: Part B premiums only. You must have both Part A and Part B. You must apply every year, and states approve applications first come, first served, with priority for people who had QI the year before.

QDWI: Part A premiums only, for certain people with disabilities who are working.

What are the 2026 income and resource limits?

These are the federal limits Medicare.gov lists for 2026:

Income limits are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Medicare.gov also says you may still qualify in your state even if your income or resources are higher than these federal limits, because some states don't count certain types or amounts of income or resources. Contact your state to find out.

What counts as resources?

Medicare's "Get help with your Medicare costs" guide says countable resources may include money in checking or savings accounts, stocks, and bonds. It says not to count:

• Your home.
• One car.
• A burial plot.
• Up to $1,500 set aside for burial costs.
• Furniture and other household and personal items.

How much could a Medicare Savings Program save me?

The Part B standard premium is $202.90 a month in 2026, according to CMS.

QMB can save more, since it also covers Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. For 2026, the Part B deductible is $283 and the Part A inpatient deductible is $1,736 per benefit period.

Do Medicare Savings Programs help with prescription drugs?

Yes, indirectly. Medicare.gov says people in QMB, SLMB, or QI also get Extra Help with Medicare drug costs. For 2026, Medicare.gov says you'll pay no more than $12.65 for each drug your Medicare drug plan covers.

How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program?

These programs are run by your state. To apply:

1. Contact your State Medicaid office. Medicare's guide suggests calling them if you have or qualify for Part A, your income is at or below the limits, and your resources are limited.
2. Ask for an application for Medicare Savings Programs.
3. Gather proof of income (like your Social Security benefit letter) and resources (bank statements).
4. Submit the application and keep a copy.

You can also start through Social Security. Medicare.gov says when you apply for Extra Help, Social Security will send your information to your state to start a Medicare Savings Program application unless you tell them not to.

Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help you apply for free. Find yours at shiphelp.org.

What should I do if I'm in QMB and get a bill?

Show both your Medicare card and your Medicaid or QMB card each time you get care. Medicare.gov says if you have Original Medicare, your Medicare Summary Notice also shows you're in QMB.

If you get a bill for Medicare-covered care, call the provider and say: "I'm in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program, so I shouldn't be billed for Medicare deductibles or coinsurance. Can you correct this bill?" If it isn't fixed, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Frequently asked questions

Should I apply if my income is a little over the limit?

Yes. Medicare.gov says states may use higher limits or skip certain income, and encourages you to apply even if you don't think you qualify.

Do I have to reapply every year?

For QI, yes. Medicare.gov says you must apply every year. Ask your state about renewal rules for the other programs.

Can I be in a Medicare Savings Program and have Medicare Advantage?

Ask your state Medicaid office and your plan how the benefits would work together in your situation. A SHIP counselor can also walk you through it.

Will a Medicare Savings Program get me Extra Help too?

Yes. Medicare.gov says people who qualify for a Medicare Savings Program automatically get Extra Help.

Want help seeing if you're leaving savings on the table?

Bill Review Coach is a monthly medical bill review service for seniors and their families. Snap photos of your Medicare notices and bills, and we'll flag programs worth asking about and what to say when you call your state or SHIP counselor. You make the calls and write the emails; we help you know what to say.