Arizona Medicare Savings Programs: QMB, SLMB & QI-1
Some Arizona residents with Medicare can qualify for help paying Medicare premiums and other out-of-pocket expenses through a Medicare Savings Program, often shortened to MSP.
Arizona’s Medicaid program, AHCCCS, administers:
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
Qualified Individual-1 (QI-1)
Each program has different income requirements and benefits.
2026 Arizona Medicare Savings Program monthly income limits
| Program | Individual | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| QMB | $0–$1,330 | $0–$1,804 |
| SLMB | $1,330.01–$1,596 | $1,804.01–$2,164 |
| QI-1 | $1,596.01–$1,796 | $2,164.01–$2,435 |
Effective February 1, 2026. These are AHCCCS income standards. AHCCCS applies allowed deductions when determining eligibility, so gross monthly income alone may not determine whether you qualify. Last reviewed: September 14, 2026.
What does QMB help pay?
AHCCCS says QMB may pay:
Medicare Part B premium
Medicare Part A premium when applicable
Medicare deductibles
Medicare coinsurance
Medicare copayments
If you qualify for QMB, Medicare providers generally may not bill you for Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments.
What does SLMB help pay?
SLMB helps pay the Medicare Part B premium.
What does QI-1 help pay?
QI-1 helps pay the Medicare Part B premium.
QI-1 is not available to a person who qualifies for another Medicaid Title XIX program where AHCCCS rules prohibit that.
General Arizona requirements
General requirements include:
Arizona residency
Medicare Part A eligibility / entitlement as applicable
citizenship or qualifying immigration status
Social Security number / application requirement
applicable income standard
AHCCCS may require applicants to apply for potentially available pension, disability, or retirement benefits.
AHCCCS makes the eligibility determination.
What if income is close to the limit?
Do not assume you are ineligible solely from gross income.
AHCCCS eligibility calculations may include permitted deductions.
Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help
Medicare Savings Programs and Part D Extra Help address different Medicare costs.
Medicare.gov states that people qualifying for QMB, SLMB or QI-1 also receive Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
Where can Arizona residents get help?
AHCCCS:
eligibility and application authority
See the official AHCCCS Medicare Savings Program application and instructions, including the Medicare Cost Sharing application.
Arizona statewide SHIP:
800-432-4040
Wise Owl:
insurance-plan comparison only
Wise Owl Insurance Group does not determine AHCCCS eligibility.
Official sources
- AHCCCS — Medicare Savings Programs
- epm.azahcccs.gov — AHCCCS 2026 income standards
- epm.azahcccs.gov — AHCCCS income deductions
- www.azahcccs.gov — AHCCCS QMB benefits and eligibility
- www.azahcccs.gov — AHCCCS SLMB benefits and eligibility
- www.azahcccs.gov — AHCCCS QI-1 benefits and eligibility
- epm.azahcccs.gov — AHCCCS Medicare Savings Programs eligibility
- www.medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help
- Arizona DES — Medicare Assistance
Medicare Disclosure: Wise Owl Insurance Group represents multiple Medicare insurance organizations and plans across various service areas. Plan availability varies by location, and we do not represent every plan available in every area. For information about all Medicare options available where you live, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.