Medicare Savings Program 2026: Eligibility, Income Limits & Apply Today.
A Medicare Savings Program, often called MSP, may help people with limited income and resources pay some Medicare costs. For many people, the biggest concern is the monthly Medicare Part B premium, and a Medicare Savings Program can help cover it. Some Medicare Savings Programs may also help with Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Independence Disclaimer. MedicareSavingPrograms.com is not Medicare.gov, CMS, Medicaid, Social Security, or any government agency. We do not process applications or guarantee eligibility. Always verify current rules with official sources.
2026 Medicare Savings Program limits.
A Medicare Savings Program is a state Medicaid program that may help eligible Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare costs. In 2026, Medicare.gov lists these federal monthly income limits for most states.
| Program | Ind. Income | Couple Income | Ind. Resources | Couple Resources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | $1,350 | $1,824 | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| SLMB | $1,616 | $2,184 | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| QI | $1,816 | $2,455 | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| QDWI | $5,405 | $7,299 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
These limits are not a final eligibility decision. Alaska and Hawaii may have higher income limits. Some states may also count income or resources differently.
Costs a Medicare Savings Program may reduce.
Part B Premium
QMB, SLMB, and QI may help pay the Part B premium. In 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month for most people.
Part A Premium
QMB may help pay the Part A premium if you owe one. QDWI may help certain working people with disabilities pay the Part A premium.
Deductibles & Copays
QMB may help pay Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for Medicare-covered services, plus billing protection.
Prescription Drug Help
If you qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you may automatically qualify for Extra Help with Medicare Part D drug costs.
QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI explained.
Usually provides the strongest MSP help. May help pay the Medicare Part A premium (if you owe one), Part B premium, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. QMB also gives important billing protection, because providers generally cannot bill QMB members for Medicare cost-sharing.
May help pay your Medicare Part B premium. You generally need Medicare Part A and must meet your state's income and resource rules.
May also help pay your Medicare Part B premium. Usually for people who have Part A, meet QI limits, and do not qualify for another type of Medicaid coverage. QI benefits may need to be renewed each year.
May help pay the Medicare Part A premium for certain working people with disabilities who lost premium-free Part A after returning to work.
You may qualify if you meet your state's rules.
Eligibility is generally based on:
- Medicare status
- Monthly income
- Resources, if your state counts them
- Residency
- Medicaid-related eligibility rules
Apply Now for a Medicare Savings Program.
You apply through your state, not through this website. Your state may let you apply online, by mail, by phone, or at a local Medicaid office.
- 01
Find your official state Medicaid office.
- 02
Look for MSP, QMB, SLMB, QI, or QDWI options.
- 03
Complete your state's official application.
- 04
Submit any required documents.
- 05
Watch your mail for notices, approvals, or renewals.
Documents you may need
Each state has its own process, but you may be asked for:
- Medicare card
- Social Security number
- Proof of income
- Bank statements
- Proof of resources
- Identification
- Proof of address
- Spouse information, if married
- Current health insurance information
A request for documents is not always a denial. Respond as soon as possible and keep proof of anything you submit.
Begin your MSP application
Use our Apply Now page to start the process. We are adding official starting points and a reader forum so you can ask questions and compare notes.
Apply NowFind your state page.
Quick-jump notes for all 50 states. Apply through your state's official Medicaid office.
What readers are saying.
“Clear, calm explanation of QMB and SLMB. Helped me understand what to ask my state Medicaid office before I called.”
“The 2026 income limit chart is exactly what I needed. Plain English and not pushy.”
“Helped my mother figure out QI. I wish there were more state-specific notes, but the basics are well written.”
“Honest and straightforward. They make it clear they are not the government and tell you where to go for the official application.”
“I finally understand the difference between QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI. Thank you for explaining it without the jargon.”
“A respectful, careful guide. The Apply Now page made the next step feel manageable.”
FAQs about Medicare Savings Programs.
Is the Medicare Savings Program real?
Yes. Medicare Savings Programs are real state Medicaid programs that may help eligible Medicare beneficiaries pay certain Medicare costs.
Does MSP pay the Part B premium?
QMB, SLMB, and QI may help pay the Medicare Part B premium if your state approves you.
Does QMB pay copays and deductibles?
QMB may help with Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for Medicare-covered services.
Should I apply if I am slightly over the income limit?
It may still be worth checking with your state Medicaid office. Some states count income differently or use more generous rules.
Who decides if I qualify?
Your state Medicaid office decides. This website cannot approve, deny, or process your application.
One of the most important forms of help for Medicare beneficiaries with limited income.
Even help with only the Part B premium may reduce monthly pressure, and QMB may provide broader protection from certain Medicare cost-sharing bills.
But MSP rules are not always simple. The program is connected to Medicaid, and Medicaid is handled by each state. Income limits, resource rules, application steps, documents, and renewal requirements may vary depending on where you live.
Ready to take the next step? Apply Now through your state's official Medicaid office.
MedicareSavingPrograms.com is not a government agency.
MedicareSavingPrograms.com is not Medicare.gov, CMS, Medicaid, Social Security, or any government agency.
We do not process Medicare Savings Program applications. We do not collect benefits applications. We do not guarantee eligibility, approval, savings, or coverage.
Always verify current rules, limits, forms, deadlines, and application instructions with Medicare.gov, Medicaid.gov, SSA.gov, CMS.gov, or your official state Medicaid office.