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Medicare Savings Programs: A Little-Known Way to Stop Paying Your Part B Premium
A Medicare Savings Program may pay your Part B premium. In 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month. That is more than $2,400 for a full year.
Your state runs these programs. Apply even if you think your income is a little high. A state may use rules that are better than the federal limits.
What is a Medicare Savings Program?
It is state help for some Medicare costs. It is not a new health plan. You keep Medicare.
There are four main programs. Their short names are QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI. The type you get sets which bills are paid.
What does QMB pay?
QMB gives the most help. It may pay:
- Your Part B premium
- Your Part A premium, if you owe one
- Medicare deductibles
- Medicare copays and coinsurance
A doctor or other Medicare provider cannot bill a QMB member for Medicare-covered cost sharing. A small Medicaid copay may still apply.
In 2026, the federal monthly income limit is $1,350 for one person or $1,824 for a married pair. The resource limits are $9,950 and $14,910.
What do SLMB and QI pay?
SLMB and QI pay the Part B premium. They do not pay the same full set of costs as QMB.
The 2026 SLMB income limit is $1,616 for one person or $2,184 for a married pair. The QI limit is $1,816 or $2,455.
QI money is limited. You must apply each year. People who had QI last year get first use of the new funds.
The same federal resource limits used for QMB apply to these two programs. Your state may count money or assets in a different way.
What is QDWI?
QDWI may help a worker with a disability pay a Part A premium. It is for some people who lost free Part A when they went back to work.
Its income and resource rules are different. Ask the state if this path fits you.
Do these programs also help with drugs?
Yes. If you get QMB, SLMB, or QI, you also get Extra Help for a Medicare drug plan.
Extra Help can cut the plan premium, drug plan fee, and the price of covered drugs. Read our Medicare Extra Help guide for the next steps.
What counts as a resource?
Cash and money in bank or stock accounts may count. A home, one car, a burial space, furniture, and many personal items do not count under the federal guide.
Do not guess. States can use different rules. Show your records and let the state decide.
How do you apply?
- Find your state Medicaid office on Medicaid.gov.
- Ask for a Medicare Savings Program form.
- Gather Medicare, income, and bank records.
- Send the free form and save proof.
- Reply if the state asks for more facts.
You can also ask a SHIP counselor for free help. SHIP does not sell a Medicare plan.
What if the state says no?
Read the reason and the due date. Check the income, family, and resource facts. Ask how to seek a new review if a fact is wrong.
Apply again if your pay drops or the limits rise. A past denial does not bar a new form.
Run your numbers. The free Medicare Savings Program calculator checks the four cut-offs that can erase the Part B premium and cut drug costs. Nothing you type is saved. All calculators →
Sources
- CMS — 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, Nov 14, 2025)
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs (2026 income and resource limits)
- Medicare.gov — Medicare costs (2026 Part A/B costs and penalties)
- Social Security Administration — Apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help
- Medicaid.gov — State Medicaid agency contact directory