What You'll Learn
- What Medicare Savings Programs are.
- Who can get help from these programs.
- What costs each program can help you with.
- How to sign up for these programs.
Medicare can be a big help for your health, but the costs can add up. Things like monthly payments (premiums) and what you pay when you go to the doctor (deductibles and copays) can be hard to handle for some people. That's where Medicare Savings Programs come in. These programs are made to help people with lower incomes pay for some of these costs.
It's good to know that these programs are run by each state, often through their Medicaid offices. This means the rules can be a little different depending on where you live. But the main ideas are the same across the country.
What are Medicare Savings Programs?
There are four main Medicare Savings Programs that can help you with your Medicare costs. They are called QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI. Let's look at what each one does.
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
The QMB program is the biggest helper. If you qualify for QMB, the program can help pay for:
- Your Medicare Part A premiums (if you have to pay them).
- Your Medicare Part B premiums.
- Your Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles (the money you pay before Medicare starts to pay).
- Your Medicare Part A and Part B copayments and coinsurance (your share of the cost for services).
In 2026, to get into the QMB program, your monthly income must be less than $1,379 for a single person or less than $1,863 for a married couple. Your assets (like money in the bank) must be less than $9,950 for a single person or less than $14,860 for a married couple. Your home, one car, and some other things do not count towards these asset limits.
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
The SLMB program helps with one important cost: your Medicare Part B premium. If you qualify for SLMB, the program will pay for your Medicare Part B premiums each month.
For 2026, to qualify for SLMB, your monthly income must be more than the QMB limits but less than $1,648 for a single person or less than $2,230 for a married couple. The asset limits are the same as for QMB: less than $9,950 for a single person or less than $14,860 for a married couple.
Qualified Individual (QI) Program
The QI program also helps pay for your Medicare Part B premium, just like SLMB. The difference is the income limit. Because the QI program gets a limited amount of money each year, it's important to apply early if you think you qualify.
In 2026, to get into the QI program, your monthly income must be more than the SLMB limits but less than $1,854 for a single person or less than $2,506 for a married couple. The asset limits are the same as for QMB and SLMB: less than $9,950 for a single person or less than $14,860 for a married couple.
Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI) Program
The QDWI program is for people who are under 65, have a disability, and lost their free Medicare Part A when they went back to work. If you qualify for QDWI, the program will pay your Medicare Part A premiums.
For 2026, to qualify for QDWI, your monthly income must be less than $4,940 for a single person or less than $6,660 for a married couple. The asset limits are less than $4,000 for a single person or less than $6,000 for a married couple. This is a bit different from the other programs because it's for a special group of people.
How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs
Applying for these programs is usually done through your state's Medicaid office. Here's what you generally need to do:
- Gather Your Papers: You will likely need papers that show your income (like pay stubs, Social Security letters, or pension statements). You will also need papers that show your assets (like bank statements).
- Contact Your State Medicaid Office: You can find your state's Medicaid office online or by calling your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). They can give you the right forms and tell you where to send them. You can find more information about how to contact your SHIP in our Medicare Enrollment Guide.
- Fill Out the Application: Be sure to fill out all parts of the application clearly and completely. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask someone at the Medicaid office or a trusted family member.
- Turn in Your Application: Send in your application and all your papers. The office will review your information and let you know if you qualify.
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