Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI)

What this program is, in plain English

A Medicare Savings Program is run by your state Medicaid office. If your income is low, the state pays the Medicare Part B premium that is normally taken out of your Social Security check every month. That money goes back into your check. There are three levels. QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) is the biggest one: the state pays your Part B premium and also your deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, and providers are not allowed to bill you for them. SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) and QI (Qualifying Individual) pay the Part B premium only. You apply through your state Medicaid office, not through Medicare. This site serves people 65 and older, but these programs also cover younger people on Medicare because of a disability.

What you actually get

Payment of the Medicare Part B premium; QMB also covers Part A and Part B cost sharing. Approval also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help with prescription drug costs.

Who qualifies

• Income limit: The federal limit is 135% of the poverty level — about $1,796 a month for one person, or $2,435 a month for two, under the 2026 guidelines. Some states set higher limits. Confirm with your state at the number below. Posted 2026. Source: Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs Close to the line? Apply anyway — some income doesn't count toward these limits.
• Countable savings and assets under $9,950. The 2026 federal resource limit is $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a married couple (SSA POMS HI 00815.023). Many states set higher limits, and Connecticut, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi and Massachusetts apply no asset test at all — so apply even if you think you are over the line. The QI level is paid from a block grant, is first-come first-served, and has to be reapplied for every year. Posted 2026. Source: SSA POMS HI 00815.023 — Medicare Savings Programs resource limits
• Eligibility runs on Medicare Part A entitlement, not age: younger people on Medicare because of a disability qualify too. Income and asset limits vary by state and by QMB, SLMB or QI level; several states have no asset test.

What to have ready

• Medicare card
• Proof of income for everyone in the household
• Bank statements
• Proof of address
• Social Security award letter

How to apply

This program is run by State Medicaid agency, with federal rules set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Most decisions take 30 to 45 days in most states.