Here's the short answer. Medicare Savings Programs are Medicaid benefits that help you pay for Medicare costs if your income is low. There are three main tiers: QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary), SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary), and QI (Qualifying Individual). QMB is the most generous—it pays your Part B premiums, and it also pays your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, which means you have the strongest protection against bills. Providers cannot charge you extra or balance-bill you for covered services. SLMB and QI only pay your Part B premium; you pay other costs yourself. All three programs automatically make you eligible for Extra Help, a federal program that lowers your Part D prescription drug costs. You apply through your state Medicaid agency, and income limits vary somewhat by state and are checked each year. Even if you think your income is too high, you should apply—your state may have higher limits than the federal minimum.
What is the Medicare Savings Program, and how do I apply?
The Medicare Savings Program is a set of state programs that help pay your Medicare costs. It is for people with low income and limited savings. If you qualify, the state pays your Part B premium. Here is how to find out if it can help you:
- Check your income. The federal limits for 2026 are listed in the section below. Your state may allow more, so check even if you are a little over.
- Apply through your state. You apply at your state Medicaid agency. Applying is free.
- Ask for the Extra Help match. If you are approved for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you automatically qualify for Extra Help with Part D drug costs.
- Get free help. A SHIP counselor can help you fill out the forms at no cost.
Not sure which program fits? Our Getting Help Paying page has a short check that points you to the right one. If you also have full Medicaid, see dual-eligible coverage.
What each program pays
The three tiers give different levels of help. Here's what each one covers:
| Program | Pays | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) | Part B premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance | Most comprehensive. Providers cannot balance-bill. Automatic Extra Help for Part D. |
| SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) | Part B premiums only | You pay deductibles and copays yourself. Automatic Extra Help for Part D. |
| QI (Qualifying Individual) | Part B premiums only | Similar to SLMB but higher income limit. You pay deductibles and copays. Automatic Extra Help. |
| QDWI (Qualified Disabled & Working Individual) | Part A premiums only | For people with disabilities who are working. Must have lost SSA disability benefits. |
Income limits and eligibility (2026)
Here are the federal income limits for 2026. Your state may allow higher income, so you should apply even if you think your income is slightly above these numbers. Income limits change each year, usually in January.
- QMB: $1,350 a month for an individual; $1,824 for a married couple. Asset limit: $9,950 (individual) or $14,910 (couple).
- SLMB: $1,616 a month for an individual; $2,184 for a married couple. Asset limit: $9,950 (individual) or $14,910 (couple).
- QI: $1,816 a month for an individual; $2,455 for a married couple. Resource limits match SLMB.
- QDWI: $5,405 a month for an individual; $7,299 for a married couple. Asset limit: $4,000 (individual) or $6,000 (couple).
Automatic Extra Help with prescription drugs
When you qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you are automatically deemed eligible for Extra Help (also called the Low-Income Subsidy or LIS). This means you do not need to file a separate application. Extra Help lowers your Part D prescription drug premiums, deductibles, and copayments. You get the maximum amount of help available under the program. This is one of the strongest benefits of qualifying for Medicare Savings Programs—you get help with both Medicare costs and drug costs.
How to apply
You apply through your state Medicaid agency, not Medicare. You can apply year-round; there is no enrollment deadline. Here are your options:
- Contact your state Medicaid agency directly. Use our State Medicaid Directory to find the phone number and website for your state. Tell them you want to apply for Medicare Savings Programs.
- Apply through HealthCare.gov. When you apply for Medicaid on HealthCare.gov or your state's marketplace, your application is securely sent to your state Medicaid agency.
- Call the national Medicaid hotline: 1-800-318-2596. This line can help you apply and answer questions about your state's program.
When you apply, your state will determine which program (if any) you qualify for based on your household income, household size, and assets. You will receive a notice saying whether you're eligible and which program you qualify for. If approved, your benefits usually start the first day of the next month.
State differences and annual changes
Income and asset limits are set by the federal government as minimums, but each state can choose to allow higher limits. Your state may have more generous eligibility rules, which is one reason you should apply even if you think your income is over the federal limit. Limits are reviewed and can change each January. If your circumstances change—such as a change in income—you can reapply at any time.
How this connects to other help programs
If you don't qualify for Medicare Savings Programs but still have low income, you may qualify for other help paying for Medicare. You might also qualify for full dual eligible Medicaid coverage if your state has expanded Medicaid. And if you're having trouble with understanding your costs after enrollment, SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) offers free counseling.
Common questions
What is the difference between QMB, SLMB, and QI?
All three are Medicare Savings Programs that help pay Medicare costs. QMB is the most generous—it pays Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, and providers cannot balance-bill you. SLMB and QI only pay your Part B premium. The main difference is income: QMB has the lowest income limit, QI has the highest, and SLMB is in the middle. Income limits change yearly.
Do I automatically qualify for Extra Help if I get a Medicare Savings Program?
Yes. If you qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you are automatically deemed eligible for Extra Help, which lowers your Part D prescription drug costs. You do not need to file a separate application. This means you get help with both Medicare and prescription drug costs.
How do I apply for Medicare Savings Programs?
You apply through your state Medicaid agency, not Medicare. You can apply year-round. Contact your state agency directly, call the Medicaid hotline (1-800-318-2596), or apply through HealthCare.gov, which will securely transfer your application to your state. Your state will tell you which program you qualify for based on your income and household size.
Do income and asset limits vary by state?
Federal government sets minimum income and asset limits, but your state may allow higher limits. Even if your income exceeds the federal limit shown, your state might find you eligible. You should apply regardless because your state's rules may be different. Limits are checked and may change each year.
What if I exceed the income limits for QMB but might qualify for SLMB or QI?
Apply anyway. Each tier has different income limits—SLMB allows higher income than QMB, and QI allows even more. Your state will determine which program you qualify for. Also, your state may have higher limits than the federal minimums, so you could still qualify even if you think your income is too high.
Can providers balance-bill me if I have QMB?
No. When you have QMB and the program pays your cost-sharing, providers cannot charge you the difference or balance-bill you. This is one of the strongest protections in Medicare Savings Programs. With SLMB and QI, which only pay the Part B premium, you are still responsible for other costs like deductibles and copays.
Official sources
- Medicare.gov: Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI)
- Medicare.gov: Getting Help with Medicare Costs
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid & CHIP coverage, application options
- Medicaid.gov: State Medicaid Information