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    Medicare Savings Programs

    Pay $0 for Part B. Most eligible don't apply.

    3 main programs

    • QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) — pays Part A + B + deductibles + copays.
    • SLMB (Specified Low-Income) — pays Part B premium ($185/mo).
    • QI (Qualifying Individual) — pays Part B premium.
    • Each saves you $2,000-10,000/year.
    • Auto-qualifies you for Extra Help (drugs).

    2026 income limits (monthly)

    • QMB — Individual $1,275, Couple $1,724.
    • SLMB — Individual $1,526, Couple $2,064.
    • QI — Individual $1,715, Couple $2,320.
    • Asset limits: ~$9,660 individual, $14,470 couple.
    • Some states higher limits — check yours.

    What QMB covers (best one)

    • Part B premium — $185/mo saved.
    • Deductibles — $1,676 Part A, $257 Part B saved.
    • Coinsurance — 20% Part B coinsurance covered.
    • Copays.
    • $2,500-12,000/year savings.
    • Plus Extra Help for drugs.

    Apply

    • Apply through STATE Medicaid office (NOT Medicare).
    • Each state has slight variations.
    • FREE help: SHIP counselors. shiphelp.org.
    • BenefitsCheckUp.org — checks all benefits eligibility.
    • Apply even if "not sure" — many surprised they qualify.
    • Re-apply yearly.

    Don't make these mistakes

    • Many qualify but don't apply (assume too rich).
    • Many states EXCLUDE home + 1 car from assets.
    • Don't count Social Security as full income — small deduction.
    • Pre-tax retirement contributions reduce income.
    • Reapply annually — limits + your situation change.
    • Couples: even one spouse may qualify alone.

    3 Free help options

    SHIP — 1-877-839-2675. Free Medicare counseling. Eldercare Locator — 1-800-677-1116. BenefitsCheckUp.org — NCOA tool checks ALL benefits. Most seniors qualify for $5,000+/yr in benefits — apply.