Louisiana Medicare Savings Program 2026: No Asset Test

If you have Medicare in Louisiana, do not assume that money in the bank automatically disqualifies you from assistance.

Louisiana disregards resources when deciding eligibility for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary and Qualifying Individual programs. A national Medicare chart showing resource limits should not prevent you from applying for Louisiana QMB, SLMB or QI.

Your income, Medicare status, residence, citizenship or qualified immigration status and other program rules still matter. Louisiana Medicaid must review the application and make the official decision.

For broader program information, visit our Medicare Savings Programs educational resource. State rules differ significantly. The latest state guide explains the Kentucky Medicare Savings Program, kynect and MAP-205 application.

Louisiana Medicare Savings Program Income Limits for 2026

Louisiana’s current public Medicaid income limits became effective on March 1, 2026.

The state publishes:

• $1,330 per month for one person and $1,804 for a two-person household at the QMB level.
• $1,796 per month for one person and $2,435 for a two-person household as the highest public screening limits for Part B-premium-only assistance.

SLMB and QI ranges can be understood by applying the program’s federal-poverty-level percentages to Louisiana’s 2026 schedule.

These are screening figures, not a final eligibility calculation.

Louisiana Medicaid calculates countable income. Countable income may be different from:

• Gross income shown on a benefit letter.
• The amount deposited into a bank account.
• Income after health-insurance deductions.
• Take-home pay from employment.

Income exclusions and deductions may affect the calculation. Apply if your income appears close to a limit and allow Louisiana Medicaid to complete the official review.

Review Louisiana’s official 2026 Medicaid program income limits and our broader explanation of Medicare Savings Program income limits.

Does Louisiana Have an MSP Asset or Resource Limit?

Louisiana does not apply a resource test to QMB, SLMB or QI.

For these three programs, an applicant is not denied merely because they own:

• A checking account.
• A savings account.
• Certificates of deposit.
• Stocks or bonds.
• More than one vehicle.
• Property other than the home where they live.
• Another asset that would count in a state with a traditional MSP resource test.

Louisiana Medicaid may still ask financial questions when it needs to:

• Identify income produced by an account or investment.
• Evaluate QDWI.
• Determine eligibility for full Medicaid.
• Review long-term care or waiver coverage.
• Verify information connected to another Medicaid category.

QDWI is different

The Qualified Disabled and Working Individual program has a separate resource test.

The 2026 federal QDWI resource screening limits are:

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

Louisiana describes the QDWI resource limit as no more than twice the countable resources permitted under the Supplemental Security Income program.

The federal 2026 gross-income screening figures commonly shown for QDWI are $5,405 for one person and $7,299 for a married couple. QDWI uses special earned-income exclusions and disability requirements, so contact Louisiana Medicaid for a category-specific calculation.

Read our Medicare Savings Program resource-limit guide.

What Does Each Louisiana Medicare Savings Program Pay?

QMB: Premium and Medicare cost-sharing help

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program provides the most complete MSP assistance.

QMB may pay:

• The Medicare Part A premium if one is owed.
• The Medicare Part B premium.
• Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles.
• Medicare coinsurance.
• Medicare copayments for Medicare-covered services and items.

Federal law generally prevents Medicare providers and suppliers from billing QMB beneficiaries for protected Medicare cost sharing.

SLMB: Part B premium assistance

The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program pays the Medicare Part B premium.

SLMB does not normally pay:

• Medicare deductibles.
• Doctor copayments.
• Medicare coinsurance.

Its primary value is stopping the monthly Part B premium deduction and potentially covering eligible premiums for approved earlier months.

QI: Higher-income Part B premium assistance

The Qualifying Individual program also pays the Medicare Part B premium.

QI generally:

• Serves beneficiaries with income above the SLMB range.
• Cannot be combined with full-benefit Medicaid.
• Requires an eligibility review each year.
• Is approved using annual federal funding.
• Gives priority to people who received QI during the previous year.

QDWI: Part A premium assistance

The Qualified Disabled and Working Individual program may pay the Medicare Part A premium for certain people who:

• Have a qualifying disability.
• Returned to work.
• Lost premium-free Part A because of employment earnings.
• Meet the separate QDWI income and resource rules.
• Are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid.

Ask Louisiana Medicaid to screen specifically for QDWI when this situation applies.

Who May Qualify in Louisiana?

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

• Live in Louisiana.
• Are enrolled in or eligible for Medicare Part A.
• Meet the applicable countable-income requirement.
• Meet citizenship or qualified immigration-status requirements.
• Provide enough information for Louisiana Medicaid to make an eligibility decision.

SLMB and QI generally require both Medicare Part A and Part B.

Form 1-MB states that an applicant must have or be eligible for Medicare Part A. A married couple can use the same application when both spouses have or are eligible for Part A.

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

You do not need to choose the correct category before applying. Ask Medicaid to screen you for QMB, SLMB, QI, QDWI and any other Medicaid assistance for which you may qualify.

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

Are Louisiana MSP rules statewide?

Yes. The Louisiana Department of Health establishes the statewide eligibility rules.

The same core standards apply whether you live in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Alexandria or a rural parish.

Regional offices and Application Centers may assist with an application, but they do not establish separate parish income limits.

How to Apply Online Through MyMedicaid

The fastest application method for many residents is the official Louisiana Medicaid Self-Service Portal, commonly called MyMedicaid.

A portal account may allow you to:

• Start a Medicaid application.
• Save an unfinished application.
• Check application or benefit information.
• View electronic notices.
• Upload requested documents.
• Report address or household changes.
• Renew Medicaid benefits.
• Request a replacement Medicaid card.

Online application steps

1. Open the Louisiana Medicaid Self-Service Portal.
2. Select the public login or account-creation option.
3. Create an account or sign in.
4. Choose the option to apply for benefits.
5. Enter your identifying and household information.
6. Add your Medicare Part A and Part B details.
7. Report your income and your spouse’s income when applicable.
8. Request Medicare Savings Program screening.
9. Review the application for missing or incorrect answers.
10. Submit the application.
11. Save or print the confirmation information.

When a comments or notes field is available, you may write:

Creating an account alone does not submit an application. Continue until the portal confirms that the application was successfully submitted.

Uploading requested documents

Louisiana Medicaid may request proof after receiving the application.

Depending on your account and case status, upload options may appear under:

• My Applications.
• My Documents.
• Check My Benefits.

You may scan documents or take clear photographs with a phone.

Before uploading:

• Make sure every page is readable.
• Include all pages of multi-page records.
• Use the case number or identifying information requested by Medicaid.
• Check that the image is upright.
• Save the upload confirmation.

How to Apply With BHSF Form 1-MB

Louisiana’s paper Medicare Savings Program application is:

BHSF Form 1-MB: Application for Louisiana’s Medicare Savings Program

Form 1-MB is designed for people who:

• Have or are eligible for Medicare Part A.
• Want QMB, SLMB or QI screening.
• Prefer a paper application.
• Primarily need help paying Medicare premiums or Medicare cost sharing.

Print clearly using black ink. Answer every applicable question, sign and date the form, and keep a complete copy.

What Form 1-MB asks for

The application may request:

• Full legal name.
• Home and mailing addresses.
• Telephone number.
• Social Security number.
• Medicare number.
• Medicare Part A and Part B information.
• Marital status.
• Spouse information when applicable.
• Social Security, pension and other income.
• Employment income.
• Other health insurance.
• Authorized-representative information.

Where to Mail or Fax Form 1-MB

Mailing address

The current Form 1-MB lists:

Before mailing:

1. Complete all applicable questions.
2. Sign and date Form 1-MB.
3. Attach readable copies of requested proof.
4. Keep a complete copy.
5. Write down the mailing date.
6. Consider using a mailing method that provides delivery confirmation.

Do not mail your original Medicare card, Social Security card or irreplaceable records.

Fax number

The current Form 1-MB lists:

1-877-523-2987

When faxing:

• Use a cover page.
• Include the applicant’s name and date of birth.
• Include an application or case number when available.
• State the total number of pages.
• Fax every page of the signed application.
• Keep the successful transmission report.

Confirm that the report shows the correct number, successful status and correct page count.

When Form 1-MB May Not Be Enough

Form 1-MB is primarily for help paying Medicare costs.

Use or ask about Louisiana’s broader Application for Health Coverage when you:

• Need full Medicaid benefits.
• Need nursing-facility coverage.
• Need home and community-based waiver services.
• Need long-term care Medicaid.
• Are applying for someone who does not have Medicare.
• Want a broader Medicaid eligibility review.

The full Medicaid application may also be used to screen a Medicare beneficiary for MSP assistance.

Learn more in our Medicare Savings Program versus Medicaid guide.

How to Apply by Phone

Call Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service:

1-888-342-6207

Customer Service is generally available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

TTY assistance:

1-800-220-5404

Louisiana allows Medicaid applications to be completed by telephone.

A useful script is:

Before ending the call, ask:

• Whether the application was completed and submitted.
• For an application or reference number.
• Whether Medicaid needs additional proof.
• How and where documents should be submitted.
• How to check the application status.
• Whether creating a MyMedicaid account would help manage the case.

Write down the representative’s name, date and time of the call.

How to Apply in Person

You may apply or get application assistance at a regional Medicaid office or Medicaid Application Center.

Use Louisiana Medicaid’s Get Covered page to find help near you.

Regional Medicaid offices are generally open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Application Center hours and appointment requirements may vary.

Call before visiting to confirm:

• The current address.
• Office hours.
• Whether an appointment is required.
• Whether walk-in applications are accepted.
• Whether staff can help complete Form 1-MB.
• Whether the office can provide a receipt or date-stamped copy.

In-person help may be useful if you cannot use the portal, do not have a printer, have trouble uploading documents or received a notice you do not understand.

What Documents and Information Should You Prepare?

You do not need to assemble a large file before starting. Having basic records nearby can make the application easier.

Prepare available information such as:

• Medicare card.
• Social Security number.
• Louisiana home and mailing addresses.
• Social Security benefit information.
• Pension or retirement income information.
• Recent pay information if working.
• Self-employment records when applicable.
• Spouse information when married.
• Other health-insurance information.
• Immigration documents when applicable.
• Recent Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security notices.

Because resources are disregarded for QMB, SLMB and QI, savings should not be the main reason to postpone an application.

Submit the signed application even if you are still gathering one document. Medicaid can tell you what additional proof is required.

What Happens After You Apply?

Submitting the application is the first step. Louisiana Medicaid must review Medicare enrollment, income, residence and other eligibility requirements.

Watch for:

• Mail from Louisiana Medicaid.
• Electronic portal notices.
• Requests for income or Medicare verification.
• Document deadlines.
• Approval or denial notices.
• Renewal information.
• Changes to the Social Security payment.
• Medicare Part D Extra Help notices.

If Medicaid sends a letter titled Information We Need From You, respond by the date printed on the notice.

Louisiana Medicaid may be unable to approve or continue coverage without requested information.

Even if you applied by phone, mail, fax or in person, you may create a MyMedicaid account to:

• Review case information.
• Upload proof.
• Update your address.
• Manage future renewals.

Louisiana’s main MSP page does not promise a fixed MSP-specific decision date. Call 1-888-342-6207 if you need to confirm receipt or have not received a decision.

When Do Louisiana MSP Benefits Begin?

QMB effective date

QMB is generally prospective and does not provide retroactive protection for Medicare cost sharing incurred before QMB became effective.

The approval notice should identify the exact QMB effective date. Apply promptly because Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments from earlier months may not be protected.

SLMB and QI prior-month coverage

SLMB and QI may cover eligible Part B premiums for earlier months when the applicant met all program requirements during those months.

Louisiana’s general retroactive Medicaid rules are changing during 2026:

• Before October 1, 2026: eligible non-expansion applicants may generally be considered for up to three prior months.
• Beginning October 1, 2026: Louisiana says adults age 65 or older and people with disabilities may have up to two months of retroactive Medicaid eligibility.

Ask Louisiana Medicaid how the transition applies to your SLMB, QI or QDWI application. The eligibility notice and effective dates printed on it control your case.

When will the Part B deduction stop?

Your Social Security payment may not increase immediately after approval.

Louisiana Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security must exchange and process the eligibility information. During this period, the Part B premium may continue to be deducted.

Keep the approval notice and compare:

• The MSP effective date.
• Your Social Security payment history.
• Premiums deducted after the approved date.
• Any refund or adjustment later received.

Part B premiums deducted for months later covered by an approval may be refunded after the state and federal records update.

The refund amount and delivery date are not guaranteed. Call Louisiana Medicaid or LaSHIP if the case is approved but the deduction continues for an extended period.

Our Medicare Part B premium help guide explains why deductions may continue temporarily.

How Does Louisiana MSP Renewal Work?

Louisiana Medicaid coverage must be renewed every year.

When it is time to renew, Medicaid sends a letter. Keep your address, phone number and email current so you receive the notice.

Louisiana may use BHSF Form 2(MB), Medicare Savings Program Renewal Form, for MSP-specific renewals.

You may generally renew:

• Online through MyMedicaid.
• By telephone at 1-888-342-6207.
• By mail.
• By fax.
• By email when the renewal notice permits it.
• In person at a regional Medicaid office.

Renewal mail, fax and email details

Louisiana’s general renewal page currently lists:

The renewal mailing address is different from the initial Form 1-MB application address. Follow the address printed on the renewal packet you receive.

To avoid losing assistance:

• Open every Louisiana Medicaid letter.
• Report address and phone-number changes.
• Complete the renewal by the stated deadline.
• Submit requested verification.
• Check the portal for electronic notices.
• Keep copies and submission confirmations.

Missing a renewal can cause the Part B premium to begin coming out of the Social Security payment again.

Review the official Louisiana Medicaid renewal guidance and our MSP renewal checklist.

What Should You Do if Louisiana Denies the Application?

Read the entire decision letter. It should explain the denial reason and how to request an appeal or State Fair Hearing.

Common denial issues may include:

• Missing income verification.
• An unsigned application.
• Incorrect spouse or household information.
• A document that was submitted but not matched to the case.
• An income exclusion that was not applied.
• Medicaid being unable to verify Medicare Part A eligibility.

Take these steps:

1. Identify the reason. Compare the notice with the application and submitted documents.
2. Call Medicaid. Ask how countable income was calculated.
3. Submit missing or corrected proof. Include the case number shown on the notice.
4. Request a hearing when appropriate. Follow the deadline and instructions in the decision letter.
5. Keep proof. Save portal confirmations, fax records, mailing receipts and appeal documentation.

Louisiana says the denial notice will identify the appeal deadline. File by the date printed on the notice.

If existing services or benefits are ending, filing within 10 days may be important when requesting continued benefits while the appeal is reviewed. Follow the exact language in your notice.

Appeal methods

You may request an appeal using the method shown on your notice. Louisiana also provides these general options:

You may also call Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service at 1-888-342-6207.

For disability-rights or appeal assistance, contact Disability Rights Louisiana at 800-960-7705.

Review the official Louisiana Medicaid appeal guidance and our Medicare Savings Program denial guide.

What if You Have QMB and Receive a Medical Bill?

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

This protection applies even when the provider does not participate in Louisiana Medicaid.

If you receive a bill:

1. Do not ignore it.
2. Confirm that QMB was active on the date of service.
3. Check whether Medicare covered the service.
4. Contact the provider’s billing office.
5. Explain that you have QMB.
6. Provide your Medicare and available Medicaid or QMB information.
7. Ask the office to correct the account and stop collection activity.
8. Contact Medicare or LaSHIP if the billing continues.

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

If you already paid prohibited QMB cost sharing, ask the provider to determine whether a refund or account correction is required.

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

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

Does Louisiana MSP Approval Include Medicare Part D Extra Help?

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

In 2026, Extra Help can provide:

• A $0 premium for a qualifying Part D plan priced at or below the applicable benchmark.
• A $0 Part D deductible.
• Copays of no more than $5.10 for each covered generic drug.
• Copays of no more than $12.65 for each 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 Medicaid and QMB may pay no more than $4.90 for each covered prescription in 2026.

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

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

Review the official Medicare Extra Help costs for 2026.

Can an Extra Help application start an MSP review?

When a beneficiary applies for Extra Help through Social Security, application information can be sent to Louisiana to begin Medicare Savings Program screening unless the applicant asks Social Security not to send it.

Louisiana Medicaid may still request additional proof. Watch for a state notice and respond by the stated deadline.

Is MSP-Only Assistance the Same as Full Louisiana Medicaid?

No. MSP-only assistance primarily helps with Medicare costs.

Some people qualify for both an MSP and full Medicaid. Approval for one does not automatically mean that the person receives every benefit available through the other.

If you need full Medicaid, nursing-facility care or waiver services, request a broader Medicaid review.

Does Louisiana Estate Recovery Apply to MSP Benefits?

Federal Medicaid policy does not allow states to recover Medicare cost-sharing payments made for Medicare Savings Program beneficiaries from their estates.

This means MSP-only Medicare premium and cost-sharing assistance should not be treated the same as nursing-facility or home and community-based Medicaid services subject to mandatory estate recovery.

Someone who receives QMB together with full Louisiana Medicaid, nursing-facility coverage, waiver services or other long-term care benefits may have a different estate-recovery situation.

Review the coverage listed on your Medicaid notice before making estate-planning decisions.

See the federal Medicaid estate-recovery guidance.

Where Can You Get Free Official Help in Louisiana?

LaSHIP is Louisiana’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Its counselors provide free, unbiased Medicare guidance by phone and through face-to-face assistance.

LaSHIP may help with:

• QMB, SLMB and QI questions.
• QMB billing problems.
• Part D Extra Help.
• Medicare Advantage plans.
• Medicare Supplement insurance.
• Part D drug coverage.
• Medicare notices, claims and enrollment questions.

LaSHIP does not sell insurance and does not make the Medicaid eligibility decision.

Common Louisiana Application Mistakes

Using federal asset limits

Louisiana disregards resources for QMB, SLMB and QI. Do not disqualify yourself because savings appear above the federal asset table.

Using the wrong paper form

Use Form 1-MB when you primarily need help with Medicare costs. Use the full health-coverage application when you need broader Medicaid or long-term care benefits.

Sending an unsigned application

Review the signature and date section before mailing or faxing Form 1-MB.

Using the renewal address for a new application

The initial Form 1-MB and annual renewal may use different P.O. Box numbers. Follow the current form or notice.

Missing an information request

Check regular mail and MyMedicaid after applying. Respond by the deadline printed on the notice.

Keeping no fax or mailing proof

Save the fax transmission page, portal confirmation or tracked-mail receipt with a copy of the application.

Expecting the Part B deduction to stop immediately

Louisiana Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security must update separate systems. Keep the approval notice and monitor later Social Security payments.

Louisiana Medicare Savings Program FAQs

Does Louisiana have an asset limit for QMB, SLMB or QI?

No. Louisiana disregards resources when determining eligibility for QMB, SLMB and QI. Income and other eligibility requirements still apply.

What are Louisiana’s 2026 MSP income limits?

Louisiana’s public limits effective March 1, 2026, include approximately $1,330 for one person and $1,804 for a couple at the QMB level. The highest QI screening amounts are approximately $1,796 and $2,435.

What is BHSF Form 1-MB?

Form 1-MB is Louisiana’s paper application for people with Medicare who want Medicaid help paying Medicare premiums, copayments and deductibles.

Can I apply online?

Yes. Apply through the Louisiana Medicaid Self-Service Portal. You may also use the portal to upload documents, report changes and complete renewals.

Where do I mail Form 1-MB?

The current form lists Medicaid Application Office, P.O. Box 91278, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9278. Confirm the address on the form before mailing.

What is the fax number for Form 1-MB?

The current form lists 1-877-523-2987. Keep the successful fax transmission report.

Can I apply by phone?

Yes. Call Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service at 1-888-342-6207 and request screening for QMB, SLMB, QI and any other applicable category.

Is MSP-only assistance the same as full Medicaid?

No. MSP-only coverage primarily helps with Medicare costs. Some beneficiaries qualify for both an MSP and full Medicaid, but approval for one does not automatically provide every benefit available through the other.

Does Louisiana MSP help with prescription costs?

QMB, SLMB and QI beneficiaries generally qualify automatically for Medicare Part D Extra Help, which can reduce drug-plan premiums, deductibles and prescription copayments.

What should I do if I have QMB and receive a medical bill?

Contact the provider’s billing office, explain that you have QMB and ask it to verify your status and remove protected Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or copayments.

How often must Louisiana MSP be renewed?

Louisiana Medicaid eligibility must generally be renewed every year. Follow the deadline and submission instructions on the renewal letter.

Who can help me apply for free?

Call LaSHIP at 1-800-259-5300 for free Medicare counseling. Louisiana Medicaid offices and Application Centers may also provide application assistance.

Conclusion

Louisiana’s most important Medicare Savings Program rule is straightforward: resources are disregarded for QMB, SLMB and QI.

Do not assume that savings, investments, a second vehicle or property automatically prevents you from receiving Medicare cost assistance.

Apply online through MyMedicaid, call 1-888-342-6207, submit Form 1-MB by mail or fax, or visit a Medicaid office or Application Center.

Apply even when income appears close to a published limit. Louisiana Medicaid must calculate countable income and make the official decision.

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 limits, forms, contacts, retroactive-coverage rules and application procedures may change. Check the current official Louisiana form, Medicaid website and eligibility notice before acting. Louisiana Medicaid makes the final decision.