Michigan Medicare Savings Program 2026: Limits & Apply

What Is a Medicare Savings Program in Michigan?

A Medicare Savings Program, or MSP, is a Medicaid-administered program that may help a qualified Medicare beneficiary pay certain Medicare costs.

In Michigan, MSP eligibility is handled by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Michigan also uses the term Medicare Buy-In when describing the process through which Medicaid pays Medicare premiums.

Michigan may evaluate an applicant for:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, or QMB
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary, or SLMB
• Qualifying Individual, or QI, which Michigan policy may call ALMB
• Qualified Disabled and Working Individual, or QDWI

You do not need to select the final category before applying. MDHHS reviews Medicare enrollment, Michigan residence, income, assets and other eligibility factors.

For a basic explanation, read our guide to what a Medicare Savings Program is. You can also visit the Medicare Savings Programs information center.

Which Michigan MSP Fits the Medicare Cost You Need Help With?

Michigan Medicare Savings Program Limits for 2026

The following table uses Medicare.gov’s 2026 federal screening amounts. Michigan calculates countable income and assets before making the official determination.

Report the figures requested by MI Bridges or the application notice. Do not subtract a general disregard, Medicare premium or another exclusion yourself unless MDHHS specifically instructs you to enter a net amount.

Review the official 2026 Medicare Savings Program limits and Michigan’s Medicare Savings Programs page.

Our separate guide explains Medicare Savings Program income limits.

What Resources May Michigan Count?

Michigan applies an asset test. Common countable resources can include:

• Cash
• Checking and savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit
• United States savings bonds
• Stocks, bonds and mutual funds
• Some retirement accounts
• Some life-insurance cash value
• Other property that can be converted to cash

Michigan’s MSP brochure identifies the following common exclusions:

• The home where you live
• One car when you own only one
• A burial space
• Personal belongings and household goods
• Life insurance when the combined face value of all policies is $1,500 or less

Ownership, accessibility, joint accounts and the type of property can affect how an asset is treated. Report requested accounts and property rather than deciding that an item is exempt on your own.

Read our MSP resource limits guide for additional context.

What Do Michigan Medicare Savings Programs Pay?

QMB Provides the Broadest Medicare Cost Protection

QMB may pay:

• The Medicare Part A premium when owed
• The Medicare Part B premium
• Part A and Part B deductibles
• Medicare coinsurance
• Medicare copayments for Medicare-covered services and items

Medicare providers and suppliers generally may not bill a QMB member for Medicare Part A or Part B cost-sharing on Medicare-covered services.

If a provider sends an improper bill:

1. Confirm that QMB was active on the date of service.
2. Compare the bill with the Medicare Summary Notice.
3. Show the provider the Medicare card and mihealth or QMB documentation.
4. Ask the billing office to verify QMB status.
5. Request removal of prohibited Medicare cost-sharing.
6. Contact Michigan SHIP or 1-800-MEDICARE if billing continues.

If prohibited cost-sharing was already paid, ask the provider whether a refund is due.

Read our detailed QMB Medicare Savings Program guide.

SLMB and ALMB/QI Pay the Part B Premium

SLMB and ALMB/QI generally pay the monthly Medicare Part B premium. They do not normally pay Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or copayments.

ALMB is Michigan terminology for the QI-type category. QI funding is limited, applications are generally handled according to federal priority rules and eligibility must be reviewed each year.

A person generally cannot receive QI while also receiving another full Medicaid benefit, although QMB, SLMB or another Michigan Medicaid category may apply.

QDWI Is for Certain Working People With Disabilities

QDWI may pay the Part A premium for a person who:

• Has a qualifying disability
• Is working
• Lost premium-free Medicare Part A and Social Security disability cash benefits because of returning to work
• Meets the QDWI income and resource requirements
• Meets the other program rules

QDWI calculations differ from ordinary QMB, SLMB and QI screening because earned-income exclusions may apply.

See our comparison of the four Medicare Savings Program types.

How Much Could Michigan MSP Premium Assistance Save?

The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026.

If Michigan pays the full standard premium for 12 covered months, the potential assistance equals:

• $202.90 per month
• $2,434.80 over 12 months

The actual financial effect depends on the approved effective date, the premium owed and whether the person pays a late-enrollment penalty or income-related adjustment.

CMS publishes current amounts in its 2026 Medicare Parts A and B costs fact sheet.

The annual amount is potential assistance, not a guaranteed cash payment or refund.

How to Apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Michigan

Michigan provides several official application routes:

• Apply online through MI Bridges
• Submit the DCH-1426 paper application
• Contact or visit a local MDHHS office
• Call the health-coverage application help line for assistance

Option 1: Apply Online Through MI Bridges

Use the official MI Bridges portal.

MI Bridges allows residents to apply for assistance, check eligibility status and manage an account.

Step 1: Sign In or Create an Account

Follow the current MI Bridges instructions to create an account or sign in. Save the email address, username, password and security information in a safe place.

Step 2: Start a Healthcare Application

The portal may not display a separate opening button labeled Medicare Savings Program. Begin a healthcare application and accurately report Medicare coverage.

Do not apply for a Marketplace plan when the goal is state help paying Medicare premiums. Use MI Bridges and the MDHHS healthcare application route.

Step 3: Report Medicare Coverage

Enter information shown on the Medicare card, including:

• The Medicare number
• Part A enrollment
• Part B enrollment
• Coverage start dates when requested
• Other health-insurance information

Clearly indicate that you want help paying Medicare premiums when the application asks.

Step 4: Report Household and Income Information

MI Bridges may ask about:

• Legal name and date of birth
• Michigan home and mailing addresses
• Marital status and spouse information
• Social Security benefits
• Pensions and annuities
• Wages and self-employment
• Retirement-account distributions
• Interest, dividends and other income

Report the amount requested by the screen. A Social Security bank deposit may be lower than the gross benefit because the Part B premium was deducted.

Step 5: Complete Resource Questions and Later Requests

MSP eligibility includes an asset test. MI Bridges or MDHHS may ask about bank accounts, investments, life insurance and other resources during the application or verification process.

Report jointly owned resources and explain ownership issues. Do not hide an account because you believe it is exempt.

Step 6: Upload Available Proof

Upload clear copies of requested records. Include every page of bank, investment and pension statements when MDHHS asks for them.

Step 7: Review and Submit

Check names, Medicare information, income, household information and uploaded files. Save the confirmation number, submission page and a list of uploaded documents.

Continue checking MI Bridges and postal mail. A document request may contain a response deadline.

Option 2: Apply With Michigan Form DCH-1426

The current official paper application is:

The current public PDF is marked Revision 4-2024.

Use the official Michigan application page to obtain the current fillable or printable version.

Complete the Applicant and Household Sections

Provide:

• The contact person’s legal name
• Home and mailing addresses
• Telephone and email information
• Applicant and spouse information
• Social Security numbers when required
• Citizenship or immigration information when applicable
• Current employment and income information
• Other health-insurance coverage

Answer the Medicare Premium Question

In the health-coverage section, report Medicare and answer yes when asked whether you want help paying Medicare premiums.

This is an important MSP screening signal. Do not leave the question unanswered when premium assistance is the reason for applying.

Sign and Submit Even When One Item Is Missing

The current application says to sign and submit the form even when you do not yet have every item requested. Michigan states that it will follow up with instructions about the next steps.

This helps establish an application date. It does not remove the duty to provide later verification by the deadline.

Authorized Representatives

Appendix C allows an applicant to authorize a trusted person to help, receive information and act on matters related to the application.

A legally appointed guardian or other representative should attach proof of authority.

Documents to Prepare for a Michigan MSP Application

MDHHS may verify some information electronically. The exact records requested depend on the application and information already available to the state.

Medicare, Identity and Residence Records

• Medicare card
• Social Security number or requested verification
• Photo identification when requested
• Proof of Michigan residence
• Citizenship or immigration documentation when applicable
• Other health-insurance information

Income Records

• Social Security benefit statement
• Pension or annuity statement
• Railroad Retirement documentation
• Recent pay stubs
• Self-employment income and expense records
• Interest and dividend statements
• Proof of other recurring income

Resource Records

• Complete checking and savings statements
• Certificates of deposit
• Investment-account statements
• Retirement-account statements
• Life-insurance information
• Burial-fund or prepaid-burial records
• Trust documents
• Information about additional property

Send readable copies unless MDHHS specifically requests an original or certified record. Do not mail your only Medicare card, Social Security card, passport or bank document.

Keep copies of the application, every document, upload confirmations, mailing receipts and all MDHHS notices.

Where to Mail the Michigan DCH-1426 Application

The current DCH-1426 form lists this mailing address:

Always check the address printed on the current application before mailing because Michigan may publish a revised form.

Michigan’s beneficiary guidance also allows an application to be obtained from and returned to a local MDHHS office. Use the official MDHHS county office directory.

Before Mailing or Delivering the Form

• Confirm the application is signed and dated
• Confirm Medicare coverage and the premium-help question are completed
• Copy the application and every attachment
• Use trackable mail when possible
• Keep the mailing or delivery receipt
• Request a date-stamped copy when submitting in person

How to Get Michigan Application Help by Phone

The current DCH-1426 lists:

When calling, say:

The application help line can explain the form and next steps. Confirm whether the entire application can be completed by telephone in your circumstances rather than assuming a general information call creates an application.

What Happens After You Apply?

MDHHS may verify:

• Medicare status
• Michigan residence
• Identity and Social Security information
• Citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Countable income
• Countable resources
• Spouse and household information
• Program-specific requirements

The paper form says applicants should normally receive follow-up instructions within one to two weeks. This is a follow-up expectation, not a guaranteed final eligibility decision.

MDHHS may request missing bank statements, pension proof, a Medicare card, proof of ownership or another form. Read the entire notice and respond by the deadline.

If a requested record is unavailable, contact MDHHS before the deadline and ask which alternative verification may be accepted.

The Eligibility Notice

The notice should explain:

• Whether the application was approved or denied
• The approved MSP category
• The effective date
• Whether broader Medicaid coverage was also approved
• Renewal or reporting requirements
• Hearing rights when the applicant disagrees

When Will Medicare Buy-In Stop the Part B Deduction?

After QMB, SLMB or ALMB/QI approval, MDHHS sends eligibility information to Medicare systems.

Michigan states that the Buy-In process can take up to 120 days for Medicare files to update.

During that time, the Part B premium may continue to be deducted from Social Security. Keep the approval notice and check:

• The approved MSP category
• The effective date
• Future Social Security payments
• Medicare premium bills
• Any premium-adjustment or refund notice

If the federal Medicare record has not updated after 120 days, contact MDHHS or ask Michigan SHIP for help identifying the correct escalation route.

QMB generally begins prospectively. Treatment of earlier months under SLMB, ALMB/QI or another Medicaid category depends on applicable rules and the official MDHHS determination.

What if Full Medicaid Is Active but Part B Is Still Deducted?

Some Michigan Medicaid categories include automatic or related Medicare Buy-In processing. A person should not assume that the deduction is correct merely because it continues.

Contact MDHHS when:

• Full Medicaid is active
• The person has Medicare Part A and Part B
• The Part B premium is still deducted
• The approval notice suggests Medicare premium assistance should be active

Ask whether the Medicare Buy-In record was sent, rejected or needs correction. Michigan’s Buy-In FAQ states that research may be needed when Medicare files have not updated after 120 days.

Extra Help With Prescription Drug Costs

People approved for QMB, SLMB or ALMB/QI generally receive automatic eligibility for Medicare Extra Help with Part D costs.

In 2026, Extra Help generally provides:

• A $0 qualifying Part D plan premium
• A $0 Part D deductible
• Up to $5.10 for each covered generic drug
• Up to $12.65 for each covered brand-name drug
• No Part D late-enrollment penalty while Extra Help remains active

Some full-Medicaid QMB beneficiaries pay lower drug copayments.

Review the official Medicare Extra Help information.

MSP-Only Assistance Versus Full Michigan Medicaid

An MSP is not automatically the same as full Medicaid coverage.

QMB-only, SLMB and ALMB/QI focus on Medicare costs. Full Medicaid may provide additional healthcare services when the person qualifies under another category.

Check the exact benefit category shown on the MDHHS notice and in MI Bridges.

Our guide to Medicare Savings Programs versus Medicaid explains the difference.

Does a Michigan Medicare Savings Program Need to Be Renewed?

Yes. MDHHS reviews continuing eligibility, and ALMB/QI must be reviewed each year.

A renewal may require updated:

• Income records
• Bank and investment statements
• Medicare information
• Spouse or household information
• Michigan residence information
• Signatures or authorized-representative records

Keep the home and mailing addresses current in MI Bridges. Read every MDHHS notice and respond before the deadline.

Use our Medicare Savings Program renewal guide.

What to Do if Michigan Denies the Application

Read the MDHHS notice before filing another application.

Check whether the denial involved:

• Income calculated above the limit
• Resources calculated above the limit
• A resource that may have been classified incorrectly
• Missing bank, pension or Medicare proof
• An unsigned application
• The Medicare premium-help question left unanswered
• Incorrect household or spouse information
• A missed verification deadline
• Review under the wrong eligibility category

Contact the local MDHHS office and ask whether the issue can be corrected. Submit missing or updated records and keep proof of delivery.

If you disagree with the final eligibility decision, follow the hearing instructions printed on the notice. Michigan’s current health-coverage application states that an eligibility hearing request generally must be received within 90 days after the denial, termination or reduction notice was mailed.

For an MDHHS eligibility decision, Michigan’s current hearing page identifies DCH-0018, Request for Hearing. DCH-0092 is used for a Medicaid service issue or service-level change rather than an eligibility denial.

Review the official Michigan Medicaid Fair Hearings page and follow the notice carefully.

Do not assume that calling MDHHS or submitting another application automatically requests a hearing or protects the deadline.

Our guide on what to do when a Medicare Savings Program application is denied provides a review checklist.

Does Michigan MSP Assistance Cause Estate Recovery?

Limited Medicare Savings Program assistance is not the same as Medicaid payment for long-term care.

Michigan’s estate-recovery program generally applies to certain beneficiaries age 55 or older who received long-term-care services. Federal rules also treat MSP-paid Medicare premiums and cost-sharing differently from recoverable long-term-care benefits.

A person who receives an MSP together with nursing-facility, home and community-based or other full Medicaid services should review the specific coverage and current Michigan estate-recovery rules.

Where to Get Free Michigan MSP Help

Michigan SHIP Medicare Counseling

Michigan’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Michigan has also historically used the MMAP name for this counseling service.

Counselors may help with:

• QMB, SLMB, ALMB/QI and QDWI questions
• MSP application guidance
• Extra Help
• QMB billing protection
• Medicare Summary Notices and provider bills
• Medicare and Medicaid coordination

Call 1-800-803-7174. The counselor can explain the process, but MDHHS makes the eligibility decision.

Michigan and Illinois Use Different MSP Application Systems

The MSP categories are federal, but states use different portals, applications and terminology.

Michigan uses MI Bridges, DCH-1426, MDHHS offices and the ALMB term for QI in some materials. Illinois uses ABE, HFS 2378M, Family Community Resource Centers and the SLIB term for SLMB.

For the latest article in this state series, read Illinois Medicare Savings Program 2026 benefits and application guidance.

Final Michigan MSP Application Checklist

Michigan Medicare Savings Program FAQs

What is ALMB in Michigan?

ALMB means Additional Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary. Michigan policy uses it for the QI-type program that pays the Part B premium for eligible people above the SLMB income range.

Can a Michigan MSP pay the Part B premium?

Yes. QMB, SLMB and ALMB/QI may pay the Medicare Part B premium when the applicant meets the applicable requirements.

Does QMB cover Medicare copayments?

QMB protects beneficiaries from Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for Medicare-covered services and items.

What are Michigan’s 2026 MSP income limits?

The federal 2026 screening limits are $1,350 individual and $1,824 couple for QMB, $1,616 and $2,184 for SLMB, and $1,816 and $2,455 for ALMB/QI. MDHHS calculates countable income before deciding eligibility.

What are Michigan’s 2026 MSP resource limits?

For QMB, SLMB and ALMB/QI, the 2026 resource limits are $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a married couple. QDWI uses separate limits of $4,000 and $6,000.

Which Michigan paper application should I use?

Start with the current DCH-1426 Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs. Report Medicare coverage and answer yes when asked whether you want help paying Medicare premiums.

Does DCH-1426 ask for every MSP asset?

Not necessarily. DCH-1426 starts the healthcare application, but MDHHS may request additional resource information or verification because MSP eligibility includes an asset test.

Where do I mail the paper application?

The current form lists the MDHHS Health Insurance Affordability Program, PO Box 8123, Royal Oak, MI 48068-9985. Check the address on the newest form before mailing. A local MDHHS office may also accept the application.

Should I wait until I have every document?

No. The current DCH-1426 says to sign and submit the application even when all requested information is not yet available. Respond promptly when MDHHS later requests verification.

How long can Medicare Buy-In take to update?

Michigan says the Buy-In process can take up to 120 days for Medicare files to update. Contact MDHHS when the record has not updated after that period.

Does MSP approval include Extra Help?

QMB, SLMB and ALMB/QI approval generally provides automatic eligibility for Medicare Extra Help with Part D prescription costs.

What if Medicaid is active but Part B is still deducted?

Ask MDHHS whether Medicare Buy-In is active and whether the Medicare record was transmitted or rejected. Keep the Medicaid and Medicare approval notices available.

How long do I have to appeal an eligibility denial?

Michigan’s current application states that an eligibility hearing request generally must be received within 90 days after the notice was mailed. Follow the exact instructions and deadline on the MDHHS notice.

Does a Michigan MSP need to be renewed?

Yes. MDHHS reviews continuing eligibility, and ALMB/QI must be reviewed each year. Respond to renewal notices and updated-document requests.

Official Michigan and Federal Resources

• Apply and manage benefits through MI Bridges
• Michigan health-coverage application page
• Michigan Medicare Savings Programs
• Michigan Medicare Buy-In information
• Michigan Medicare Buy-In FAQ
• MDHHS county office directory
• Michigan SHIP Medicare counseling
• Michigan Medicaid Fair Hearings
• Medicare Savings Programs at Medicare.gov
• Medicare Extra Help information

Final Takeaway

Michigan residents can apply through MI Bridges, start with Form DCH-1426 or contact a local MDHHS office.

On the paper form, report Medicare coverage and answer yes when asked whether you want help paying Medicare premiums. Be prepared for MDHHS to request separate resource verification because MSP eligibility includes an asset test.

Do not reject yourself merely because gross income appears slightly above a screening amount. Michigan calculates countable income and may exclude certain income or resources.

Keep proof of submission, check MI Bridges and postal mail, and respond to every MDHHS request before the deadline.