What are Medicare Savings Programs, and do I qualify?
Medicare Savings Programs are state programs that help pay Part A and Part B costs. Your state runs them, so you apply through your state.
Don't know a word? Press any purple word to see what it means. They're all listed at the bottom of the page.
More on this: What Is Original Medicare? And the 20% Gap
The short version
- There are four programs: QMB, SLMB, QI and QDWI. They pay different things.
- The 2026 limits are in the table below. Your state may let you qualify even when you're above them.
- If your state pays your Part B premium through one of these programs, you qualify for Extra Help automatically.
- To apply, contact your state.
The 2026 limits
Monthly income limits and resource limits, 2026:
| Program | Pays | Individual | Couple | Resources (one / couple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | Part A premium (if you pay one), Part B premium, deductibles, coinsurance, copays | $1,350 | $1,824 | $9,950 / $14,910 |
| SLMB | Part B premium only (needs Parts A and B) | $1,616 | $2,184 | $9,950 / $14,910 |
| QI | Part B premium (needs Parts A and B) | $1,816 | $2,455 | $9,950 / $14,910 |
| QDWI | Part A premium only | $5,405 | $7,299 | $4,000 / $6,000 |
These are the federal limits. Medicare.gov says: "You may still qualify for these programs in your state even if your income or resources are higher than the federal limits listed." So don't rule yourself out from this table alone.
Medicare.gov also says: "These programs are run by your state. Contact your state to apply." We don't run them.
What Parts A and B cover is in our guide to Original Medicare.
Your next step
A licensed support agent can point you to where to start.
No obligation. You can request help from one of our licensed support agents at any time.
See My Personalized OptionsWords on this page
- Coinsurance
- A percentage instead of a flat amount. Medicare pays 80% of a doctor's bill and leaves you the other 20%.
- Copay
- A flat amount you hand over at the visit. Twenty dollars to see your doctor, for example.
- Deductible
- What you pay yourself first, before the plan starts paying its share.
- Extra Help
- A Medicare program that helps people with limited income and savings pay for drugs.
Sources
All 2 checked October 7, 2026.