Missouri Medicare Savings Program 2026: IM-1MSP Application

Missouri’s Medicare Savings Programs may help eligible residents pay Medicare premiums and other Medicare costs. The programs are administered through MO HealthNet and the Missouri Family Support Division, commonly called FSD.

Depending on the program, Missouri may pay the Medicare Part B premium, the Part A premium when owed, and Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.

For broader information about these programs, visit our Medicare Savings Programs educational resource. Because rules differ by state, you may also compare Missouri with the latest guide to the Indiana Medicare Savings Program and its higher state income limits.

Missouri Medicare Savings Program Income Limits for 2026

The following table uses the federal 2026 screening limits applicable in Missouri. FSD calculates countable income and resources before making a final decision.

These are screening amounts, not automatic approval or denial figures based only on gross income. Missouri may exclude certain income before comparing your countable income with the applicable limit.

The federal screening chart generally includes a standard $20 monthly income disregard. Earned-income exclusions and other budgeting rules may also affect the calculation.

Apply even if your income appears slightly higher than a table amount. Let FSD determine whether part of your income can be excluded.

Review the official Medicare Savings Program limits for 2026 and our detailed guide to Medicare Savings Program income limits.

What Does Each Missouri Medicare Savings Program Pay?

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, QMB

QMB provides the most comprehensive Medicare Savings Program assistance. It may pay:

• The Medicare Part B premium.
• The Medicare Part A premium if you are required to pay one.
• Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles.
• Medicare coinsurance.
• Medicare copayments for Medicare-covered items and services.

Federal law generally prohibits Medicare providers from billing QMB beneficiaries for protected Medicare cost sharing.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary, SLMB1

Missouri’s SLMB1 program pays the Medicare Part B premium. It does not normally pay Medicare deductibles, doctor copays or coinsurance.

SLMB2 or Qualifying Individual

Missouri uses the name SLMB2 for the federal Qualifying Individual program. It pays the Medicare Part B premium.

QI funding is provided annually. Beneficiaries generally must complete a new eligibility determination each year. Priority is commonly given to people who received QI assistance during the previous year.

Qualified Disabled and Working Individual, QDWI

QDWI may pay the Medicare Part A premium for certain people with disabilities who returned to work and lost premium-free Part A.

QDWI has separate disability, employment and Medicare requirements. Ask FSD to screen you specifically for QDWI if this situation applies.

Missouri’s official overview is available on the MO HealthNet seniors and people with disabilities page.

What Resources Count for Missouri MSP Eligibility?

Missouri applies a resource test to Medicare Savings Program applicants.

For QMB, SLMB1 and SLMB2/QI, the 2026 resource limits are:

• $9,950 for one person.
• $14,910 for a married couple.

For QDWI, the limits are:

• $4,000 for one person.
• $6,000 for a married couple.

Resources that may count include:

• Checking and savings accounts.
• Cash.
• Certificates of deposit.
• Stocks and bonds.
• Certain annuities and investments.
• Promissory notes or money owed to you.
• Cash value in certain life-insurance policies.

Items that generally may be excluded include:

• The home where you live.
• One vehicle.
• Household goods and personal belongings.
• Burial plots.
• Certain burial funds and life-insurance amounts, depending on program rules.

Report the requested resources rather than deciding for yourself that a particular item is countable. Ownership, accessibility, value and intended use can affect the decision.

See our full explanation of Medicare Savings Program resource limits.

Who May Qualify in Missouri?

You may qualify for a Missouri Medicare Savings Program if you:

• Are a Missouri resident.
• Are a United States citizen or meet an applicable qualified non-citizen requirement.
• Have Medicare Part A or meet the Medicare requirement for the specific MSP category.
• Meet the applicable countable-income standard.
• Meet the applicable resource limit.
• Provide the information FSD needs to make a decision.

A spouse’s income and resources may be considered when a married applicant lives with their spouse.

SLMB1 and SLMB2/QI generally require both Medicare Part A and Part B. QDWI has separate requirements for working people with disabilities who must pay a Part A premium.

Read our general guide explaining who may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program.

Are Missouri MSP rules statewide?

Yes. The Family Support Division applies Missouri’s Medicare Savings Program rules statewide.

The same program standards apply whether you live in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, Jefferson City or a rural county. Local FSD Resource Centers may help with applications, but they do not create separate county income limits.

Which Missouri Application Should You Use?

Missouri offers different application routes depending on whether you want Medicare Savings Program assistance only or broader MO HealthNet coverage.

Use IM-1MSP for Medicare Savings Program assistance only

Use the IM-1MSP Application for Medicare Savings Programs if you mainly want help paying Medicare premiums or Medicare cost sharing.

The IM-1MSP asks for information about:

• You and your spouse.
• Missouri residence and citizenship or immigration status.
• Medicare coverage.
• Employment and self-employment income.
• Social Security, pensions and other income.
• Bank accounts and investments.
• Vehicles and real property.
• Life insurance and burial plans.
• Other health insurance premiums.

Complete every applicable section and sign and date the form before submitting it.

Use the full MO HealthNet application for broader coverage

Use the full MO HealthNet healthcare application if you also want to be considered for:

• Full Medicaid coverage.
• Spend Down.
• Nursing-facility coverage.
• Home and community-based services.
• Other MO HealthNet benefits.

People age 65 or older, people with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries may also be required to complete a supplemental form with the full MO HealthNet application.

MSP-only approval is not the same as full MO HealthNet. Learn more in our Medicare Savings Program versus Medicaid guide.

How to Apply Online for the Missouri Medicare Savings Program

Missouri now provides an official online application specifically for Medicare Savings Program assistance.

Use the Missouri online IM-1MSP application if you only want help with Medicare premiums or Medicare cost sharing.

Online MSP application steps

1. Open the official online IM-1MSP application.
2. Enter your contact and identity information.
3. Report your Medicare coverage.
4. Enter household and spouse information when applicable.
5. Report income and potentially countable resources.
6. Review the rights and responsibilities section.
7. Provide the electronic signature requested by the form.
8. Save the submission confirmation or take a screenshot.

If the online application does not load properly or you prefer a paper copy, download the IM-1MSP PDF and submit it by upload, fax, mail or in person.

Apply online for full MO HealthNet

If you need broader Medicaid coverage as well as MSP assistance, use the full MO HealthNet healthcare application.

When applying, clearly state:

You do not need to identify the correct program yourself. FSD should evaluate the information under the categories that may apply.

How to Apply With the Paper IM-1MSP Form

Download the current official application:

• English IM-1MSP application
• Spanish IM-1MSP application

The current PDF is a short MSP-specific form. It is not the full application for every MO HealthNet medical benefit.

Completing the form

1. Enter your home and mailing addresses.
2. Provide contact information.
3. List yourself and your spouse when applicable.
4. Report Medicare coverage.
5. Complete the employment and other-income sections.
6. Report bank accounts and other requested resources.
7. List health insurance and premium information.
8. Read the rights and responsibilities.
9. Sign and date the application.

Do not leave the signature section blank. An unsigned form may delay processing or prevent FSD from treating it as a complete application.

Submit the application as completely as possible. If a document is unavailable, file the signed application and respond promptly when FSD sends a request for proof.

How to Upload, Fax or Mail the Application

Upload the signed application

Upload a signed IM-1MSP and supporting documents through the official myDSS document upload portal.

Before uploading:

• Make sure every page is clear.
• Check that your name appears on the application and supporting documents.
• Include your Departmental Client Number, Social Security number or date of birth when instructed.
• Confirm that the form is signed.
• Upload every page of multi-page records.
• Save the upload confirmation.

Avoid submitting the same documents repeatedly unless FSD asks you to resend them.

Fax the application

Fax completed forms and documents to:

573-526-9400

Keep the successful fax confirmation with your application copy. Check that the fax number and total transmitted pages are correct.

Write your name and available case information on each supporting page so FSD can match separated documents to your application.

Mail the application

The current official Missouri instructions list:

Before mailing:

• Confirm the address on the current form.
• Sign and date the application.
• Keep a complete copy.
• Send copies of proof rather than your only originals.
• Consider tracked mail if you want delivery confirmation.

Can You Apply by Phone or Get In-Person Help?

Apply for full MO HealthNet by phone

Call:

855-373-9994

This number is used to apply for full MO HealthNet healthcare coverage by phone. Tell the representative that you have Medicare and also want to be screened for a Medicare Savings Program.

If you only want MSP assistance, ask whether the representative can complete the MSP request or whether you should use the online or paper IM-1MSP.

General Family Support Division help

For general application, case or renewal questions, call:

855-373-4636

Free translation services are available. Missouri also lists Relay Missouri at 711 and state TTY or TDD numbers for applicants who need communication assistance.

Apply or submit documents in person

You may submit an application or ask for help at a Family Support Division Resource Center.

Use the Missouri DSS Resource Center locator to find an office.

An in-person visit may be helpful if you:

• Cannot complete the online form.
• Need help deciding which application to use.
• Want to hand-deliver documents.
• Received a proof request you do not understand.
• Want a receipt or date-stamped application copy.

Check the current office address and hours before travelling.

What Information and Documents Should You Prepare?

You may be asked for information about:

• Your Medicare coverage.
• Your identity and Missouri residence.
• Citizenship or qualified immigration status.
• Social Security, pensions and other retirement income.
• Employment and self-employment income.
• Bank accounts and investments.
• Vehicles and real property.
• Life insurance and burial arrangements.
• Other health insurance and premiums.
• Your spouse’s income and resources when applicable.

Helpful documents may include:

• Medicare card.
• Social Security benefit letter.
• Pension or annuity statements.
• Recent pay stubs.
• Self-employment records.
• Bank and investment statements.
• Life-insurance policy information if requested.
• Recent FSD, MO HealthNet, Medicare or Social Security notices.

Do not delay filing merely because one document is unavailable. Submit the signed application and contact FSD if you cannot obtain something requested in a verification notice.

What Happens After You Apply?

FSD will review Medicare coverage, income, resources, Missouri residence and other eligibility requirements.

Watch your mail, phone and online account for:

• Requests for missing documents.
• Verification deadlines.
• Interview or clarification requests.
• Approval notices.
• Denial notices.
• Benefit start dates.

Respond to every request before the deadline. Keep copies of everything you submit and save upload, fax or mailing confirmations.

Missouri advises healthcare applicants to contact FSD if they have not received information after approximately 45 days. This is not a guaranteed processing period. Missing information or a more complicated eligibility issue may cause the review to take longer.

Call 855-373-4636 if you need to check the status or have not received a notice.

When Do Missouri MSP Benefits Begin?

QMB effective date

Missouri QMB generally begins prospectively after eligibility is established. QMB is not normally approved for earlier months before its effective date.

Applying promptly matters because QMB protection for Medicare cost sharing generally does not extend backward to medical services received before QMB became active.

SLMB1 and SLMB2 retroactive coverage

Missouri SLMB applicants may be approved for the application month and, when all eligibility requirements were met, for qualifying months in the prior quarter.

If Medicare Part B premiums were deducted during months later covered by SLMB, a reimbursement may be issued after Missouri, Medicare and Social Security update their records.

A refund, amount and delivery date are not guaranteed. Keep your approval notice and Social Security payment records.

What if the Part B deduction continues?

Approval may not change the next Social Security payment immediately. Missouri must report the approval through the Medicare buy-in process, and federal systems must update.

If the Part B deduction continues longer than expected, contact FSD, Missouri SHIP or the Missouri Medicare Buy-In Unit. Keep all approval letters and payment records.

How Does Missouri MSP Renewal Work?

FSD reviews MO HealthNet eligibility each year. The renewal is generally due during the anniversary month when coverage first began.

If FSD has enough verified information, it may renew coverage automatically. The renewal letter will state that no additional action is required.

If more information is needed, FSD will send a renewal form by mail and may place it in the FSD Benefit Portal.

You may generally complete or return a renewal through:

• The FSD Benefit Portal.
• The myDSS upload portal.
• Phone renewal assistance at 855-373-4636.
• The mailing address shown on the renewal notice.
• A local FSD Resource Center.

Complete, sign and submit any required renewal form by the deadline printed on the letter.

Keep your address and phone number current so you receive the renewal packet. QI or SLMB2 beneficiaries should pay particular attention to annual renewal because QI eligibility is reviewed each year.

Review the official Missouri annual renewal guidance and our Medicare Savings Program renewal checklist.

What Should You Do if Missouri Denies the Application?

Read the entire denial notice. It should explain why FSD denied the application and how to request a fair hearing.

Common issues may include:

• Missing income or resource verification.
• An account counted at the wrong value.
• Incorrect household or spouse information.
• An income exclusion that was not applied.
• A document that was submitted but not matched to the case.
• An unsigned or incomplete form.

Take these steps:

1. Identify the denial reason. Compare the decision with your application and submitted documents.
2. Call FSD. Ask for an explanation of the income and resource calculation.
3. Submit missing or corrected proof. Include the case information shown on the notice.
4. Request a hearing when appropriate. Follow the methods and deadline in the current notice.
5. Keep proof. Save upload confirmations, fax receipts, mailing records and hearing-request documentation.

The current IM-1MSP states that a fair-hearing request generally must be received within 90 days of the eligibility decision. Follow the exact deadline printed on your notice because shorter action may be necessary if existing benefits are ending and you want to request continued coverage.

Review the official Missouri Benefit Hearings guidance. Our Medicare Savings Program denial guide also explains common correction steps.

What if You Have QMB and Receive a Medical Bill?

Federal law prohibits Medicare providers and suppliers from billing a QMB beneficiary for Medicare Part A or Part B deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for Medicare-covered services and items.

If you receive a bill:

1. Do not ignore it.
2. Check that QMB was active on the date of service.
3. Confirm that Medicare covered the service.
4. Tell the provider’s billing office that you have QMB.
5. Show your Medicare and available MO HealthNet or QMB information.
6. Ask the office to correct the account and stop collection activity for protected Medicare cost sharing.
7. Contact Medicare or Missouri SHIP if billing continues.

1-800-MEDICARE: 1-800-633-4227
Medicare TTY: 1-877-486-2048

If you already paid a protected QMB amount, ask the provider whether a billing correction or refund is required.

QMB does not make every healthcare service free. You may still owe for non-covered care, permitted prescription charges or services that Medicare properly denied.

Review the official CMS QMB billing-protection guidance and our QMB Medicare Savings Program guide.

Does Missouri MSP Approval Include Medicare Part D Extra Help?

People approved for QMB, SLMB1 or SLMB2/QI generally qualify automatically for Medicare Part D Extra Help.

In 2026, Extra Help can provide:

• A $0 Part D plan premium for a qualifying plan priced at or below the applicable benchmark amount.
• A $0 Part D deductible.
• Copays of no more than $5.10 for a covered generic drug.
• Copays of no more than $12.65 for a covered brand-name drug.
• $0 for covered drugs after total drug costs reach $2,100 in 2026.
• No Part D late-enrollment penalty while receiving Extra Help.

A person receiving full MO HealthNet and QMB may have a lower maximum prescription copay. Exact costs depend on Medicaid status, the drug and the selected Part D plan.

A plan priced above the Extra Help benchmark may charge part of its premium.

QDWI by itself should not be assumed to provide automatic Extra Help. Ask Missouri SHIP or Social Security whether a separate Extra Help application is appropriate.

Review the official Medicare Extra Help costs for 2026.

Can an Extra Help application start a Missouri MSP review?

Yes. When a person applies for Extra Help through Social Security, application information can be sent to Missouri to start the Medicare Savings Program application process unless the applicant asks Social Security not to send it.

Missouri may still need additional information. Watch for an FSD request and respond by the stated deadline.

Is MSP-Only Coverage the Same as Full MO HealthNet?

No. Medicare Savings Program assistance can be approved without the broader medical benefits provided through full MO HealthNet.

If you also need full Medicaid, Spend Down, nursing-facility coverage or home and community-based services, use the broader MO HealthNet application and clearly request both MSP and the additional coverage.

Does Missouri Estate Recovery Apply?

MO HealthNet may seek repayment from a deceased participant’s estate in certain circumstances. Estate recovery commonly relates to covered Medicaid healthcare costs and can depend on the participant’s age, services received and other facts.

Missouri does not seek payment from surviving family members personally when there is no recoverable estate. Recovery may also be delayed or restricted when a surviving spouse, a child under age 21, or a blind or disabled child remains alive.

The public guidance does not provide a simple statement that every MSP-only case is automatically subject to or exempt from recovery. A person receiving only premium assistance may have a different situation from someone receiving full MO HealthNet or long-term care.

Review the official Missouri estate-recovery guidance for your specific type of coverage.

Where Can You Get Free Official Help in Missouri?

Missouri SHIP provides free, unbiased and confidential Medicare counseling. It does not sell Medicare plans or represent an insurance company.

SHIP counselors may help explain:

• The differences between QMB, SLMB1 and SLMB2/QI.
• What an approval or denial notice means.
• Why the Part B premium is still being deducted.
• QMB billing protections.
• Part D Extra Help.
• Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Part D questions.

Missouri Medicare Savings Program FAQs

What form should I use for MSP-only assistance?

Use the IM-1MSP Application for Medicare Savings Programs when you mainly want help paying Medicare premiums or Medicare cost sharing.

Can I apply for Missouri MSP online?

Yes. Missouri provides an online IM-1MSP application for Medicare Savings Program assistance. You may also download the paper form and upload, fax, mail or hand-deliver it.

Can I apply by phone?

You can apply for full MO HealthNet by calling 855-373-9994 and ask to be screened for a Medicare Savings Program. For MSP-only assistance, use the online or paper IM-1MSP unless FSD instructs you otherwise.

Where do I fax the Missouri MSP application?

Fax the signed application to 573-526-9400. Confirm the number on the current form and keep the successful transmission page.

Where do I mail the Missouri MSP application?

The current application lists Family Support Division, P.O. Box 2700, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Confirm the address on the official form before mailing.

Does QMB pay Medicare copays?

QMB may pay Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. Medicare providers generally may not bill a QMB beneficiary for those protected amounts.

Do SLMB1 and SLMB2 pay doctor copays?

No. SLMB1 and SLMB2 or QI generally pay the Medicare Part B premium but do not pay Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or doctor copays.

Will Missouri MSP help with prescription costs?

People approved for QMB, SLMB1 or SLMB2/QI generally qualify automatically for Medicare Part D Extra Help.

How long does Missouri take to decide an MSP application?

Missouri advises healthcare applicants to contact FSD if they have not received information after about 45 days. Processing can take longer when documents or additional eligibility information are needed.

Who can help me apply for free?

Call the Family Support Division at 855-373-4636 for application help or Missouri SHIP at 1-800-390-3330 for free Medicare counseling.

Conclusion

Use the IM-1MSP application when you mainly need help paying Medicare premiums or Medicare-covered cost sharing. Missouri now offers both an online IM-1MSP and a printable paper version.

Use the full MO HealthNet healthcare application if you also need broader Medicaid, Spend Down, nursing-facility coverage or home and community-based services.

You may submit the signed paper form through the myDSS upload portal, fax it to 573-526-9400, mail it to the Family Support Division in Jefferson City, or deliver it to a local Resource Center.

Even if you are unsure about an income or resource limit, submit the application and let FSD make the official calculation. Approval may stop the monthly Part B deduction, provide Medicare Part D Extra Help and, under QMB, protect you from Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.

Editorial disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, financial or benefits advice. Income standards, resource limits, forms and contact information may change. Check the current official Missouri application, myDSS website and FSD eligibility notice before acting. The Family Support Division makes the final eligibility decision.