Medicare Savings Programs

Medicare Savings Programs, or MSPs, are state-administered programs that can help eligible people pay certain Medicare Part A and Part B costs. Depending on the program, assistance can include Medicare premiums and, in some cases, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

There are four main Medicare Savings Programs: QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI.

2026 Medicare Savings Program limits

Medicare publishes federal income and resource limits, but states can use rules that are more generous. You may qualify in your state even if your income or resources are above the federal figures below.

Income limits are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii. State counting rules can differ, and some states disregard certain income or resources.

These figures should be refreshed when Medicare publishes new annual limits.

QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary

QMB can help pay:

• Part A premiums if you do not have premium-free Part A;
• Part B premiums; and
• Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for Medicare-covered services.

If you qualify for QMB, Medicare providers generally are not allowed to bill you for Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, although a small Medicaid copayment may apply in some situations.

QMB beneficiaries also receive Extra Help with Medicare drug costs.

SLMB — Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary

SLMB helps pay the Medicare Part B premium.

You must have Medicare Part A and Part B to qualify.

People who qualify for SLMB also receive Extra Help with Medicare drug costs.

QI — Qualifying Individual

QI helps pay the Medicare Part B premium.

You must have Part A and Part B. QI funding is limited, and states approve applications on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority generally given to people who received QI benefits the prior year.

QI is for people who do not qualify for other Medicaid coverage or benefits under the QI rules.

QI beneficiaries also receive Extra Help.

QDWI — Qualified Disabled and Working Individual

QDWI helps pay the Medicare Part A premium for certain people with disabilities who are working and lost premium-free Part A because they returned to work.

QDWI has different income and resource limits from QMB, SLMB, and QI.

How Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help work together

QMB, SLMB, and QI eligibility also qualifies you for Extra Help with Medicare Part D costs.

Extra Help is a separate program focused on prescription drug costs. Medicare Savings Programs primarily help with Medicare Part A and Part B costs.

It is possible to need information about both programs.

How to apply

Medicare Savings Programs are run by states. Apply through your state Medicaid or State Medical Assistance office.

Do not assume you are ineligible solely because your income appears slightly above a federal limit. States can use different income and resource counting rules.

When you apply, your state determines which Medicare Savings Program, if any, you qualify for.

Medicare Savings Programs and dual eligibility

Some Medicare Savings Program categories are considered forms of dual eligibility because the person has Medicare and receives Medicaid-administered assistance.

Full-benefit Medicaid and MSP-only eligibility are not the same. The exact benefits depend on your eligibility category.

Before you apply

Gather current information about:

• Social Security and other income;
• bank accounts and other countable resources;
• Medicare coverage;
• household circumstances; and
• any Medicaid notices you already have.

Your state can tell you which items it counts.

Get help understanding Medicare cost assistance

Wise Owl Insurance Group can explain how Medicare Savings Programs may affect the Medicare costs and plan options you review. The state Medicaid agency makes eligibility decisions.

Wise Owl Insurance Group is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For official eligibility rules and applications, use Medicare.gov and your state Medicaid agency.

Last reviewed: September 22, 2026.