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Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI)
Also known as: MSP · Medicare Buy-In Programs · Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program · Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program · Qualifying Individual (QI) Program · Qualified Disabled & Working Individual (QDWI) Program
State-run programs that pay certain Medicare costs for people with limited income and resources, if they qualify. The QMB program pays Part A premiums (for those without premium-free Part A), Part B premiums, and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments; the SLMB and QI programs pay the Part B premium (standard $202.90 per month in 2026), and enrollees in these programs also get Extra Help with prescription drug costs.
Administered by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); administered by state Medicaid agencies
Key figures
| What | Amount | Verified |
|---|---|---|
| QMB monthly income limit — individual (household of 1) | $1,350/month | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
| QMB monthly income limit — married couple (household of 2) | $1,824/month | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
| SLMB monthly income limit — individual (household of 1) | $1,616/month | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
| SLMB monthly income limit — married couple (household of 2) | $2,184/month | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
| QI monthly income limit — individual (household of 1) | $1,816/month | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
| QI monthly income limit — married couple (household of 2) | $2,455/month | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
| Resource limit for QMB, SLMB, and QI — individual (household of 1) | $9,950 | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
| Resource limit for QMB, SLMB, and QI — married couple (household of 2) | $14,910 | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
| QDWI monthly income limit — individual (household of 1) | $5,405/month | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
| QDWI monthly income limit — married couple (household of 2) | $7,299/month | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
| QDWI resource limit — individual / married couple | 4,000 / 6,000 USD | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
| Standard Part B premium that SLMB and QI pay on the enrollee's behalf | $202.9/month | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
| Annual Part B deductible covered for QMB enrollees | $283/year | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
| Maximum prescription drug copayment with Extra Help (automatic for QMB/SLMB/QI enrollees) | $12.65 | Source check: 2026-07-20 source |
Who may qualify
- QMB helps pay Part A premiums (if you don't have premium-free Part A) plus Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. SLMB and QI pay Part B premiums only, and you must have both Part A and Part B to qualify for them. Source check: 2026-07-20 source
- 2026 federal monthly income limits: QMB $1,350 individual / $1,824 couple; SLMB $1,616 / $2,184; QI $1,816 / $2,455. Limits are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii, and some states don't count certain income, so you may qualify even above the federal limits. Source check: 2026-07-20 source
- 2026 resource limits for QMB, SLMB, and QI: $9,950 individual / $14,910 married couple. Some states don't count certain resources; medicare.gov advises applying even if you think you're over the limit. Source check: 2026-07-20 source
- QI requires reapplying every year; states approve applications first-come, first-served with priority to people who had QI the previous year. QI is only available to people who don't qualify for any other Medicaid coverage or benefits. Source check: 2026-07-20 source
- You apply through your state, and the state determines which program(s) you qualify for. Federal limits are a floor — some states use higher limits or disregard certain income/resources. Source check: 2026-07-20 source
- If enrolled in QMB, Medicare providers aren't allowed to bill you for deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments on Medicare-covered services and items (a small Medicaid copayment may apply). Source check: 2026-07-20 source
Eligibility rules are set by the administering agency and can change — the linked sources are authoritative, this summary is not a determination.
How to apply — official route
Find your state Medicaid office to apply →
For program rules and 2026 limits, see Medicare's official guide. Your state decides if you qualify.
Medicare Savings Programs are run by state Medicaid agencies. Choose your state in the official contact list, then ask that office how to apply. Your state decides which program(s) you qualify for.
Applying for government benefits is free. No legitimate program charges a fee to apply, and no one can guarantee you'll be approved.
Application toolkit · source check: 2026-07-28
Get ready to apply for Medicare Savings Programs
Your state Medicaid agency determines which Medicare Savings Program you qualify for and sets its exact proof requirements.
Common documents and information
Check off items as you gather them. Do not send original records unless the agency specifically tells you to.
What happens after you apply
- Save the application date and a copy of everything sent to the state.
- Respond to requests for income, resource, residency, Medicare, or household verification.
- The state determines whether you qualify for QMB, SLMB, QI, or QDWI and sends a notice. Read which Medicare costs the approved program covers.
- Approval for a Medicare Savings Program also brings Extra Help with Part D drug costs. QI participants must apply again every year.
Applying is free. CalculateBenefits does not receive or submit your application.
Local rules: Some states use higher income or resource limits or do not count certain resources. Apply even if you are slightly above the federal figures.
Program update alerts
Email alerts for when this program's amounts or income limits change are coming soon.
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