Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) help eligible Medicare beneficiaries pay Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
About Medicare Savings Programs
The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is a state-run Medicaid benefit that helps eligible Medicare beneficiaries pay Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, with four tiers of assistance including QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI.
The Medicare Savings Program provides financial assistance to people with limited income who are entitled to Medicare. States administer MSPs through Medicaid and determine eligibility based on income (and in some states, resources). Not all income or resources count towards the limits below. These programs can significantly reduce out-of-pocket Medicare costs.
Here are the four programs and what they pay for:
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
QMB
Helps pay for
Part A & B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments
2026 Income Limit
| QMB | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,350 | $16,200 |
| Couple | $1,824 | $21,888 |
2026 Resource Limit
| QMB | Resource Limit |
|---|---|
| Single | $9,950 |
| Couple | $14,910 |
Qualified Individual
QI
Helps pay for
Part B premiums
2026 Income Limit
| QI | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,816 | $21,792 |
| Couple | $2,455 | $29,460 |
2026 Resource Limit
| QI | Resource Limit |
|---|---|
| Single | $9,950 |
| Couple | $14,910 |
Other requirements:
- Must apply every year (first come first serve)
- Priority given to previous recipients
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
SLMB
Helps pay for
Part B premiums
2026 Income Limit
| SLMB | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,616 | $19,392 |
| Couple | $2,184 | $26,208 |
2026 Resource Limit
| SLMB | Resource Limit |
|---|---|
| Single | $9,950 |
| Couple | $14,910 |
Qualified Disabled Working Individual
QDWI
Helps pay for
Part A premiums
2026 Income Limit
| QDWI | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $5,405 | $64,860 |
| Couple | $7,299 | $87,588 |
2026 Resource Limit
| QDWI | Resource Limit |
|---|---|
| Single | $4,000 |
| Couple | $6,000 |
You may qualify for the QDWI Program if you:
- Have a disability
- Are working
- Lost Your Social Security disability benefits and Medicare premium-free Part A because you returned to work
Medicare Part A Eligibility
In order to qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, individuals must be eligible for Medicare Part A benefits. Most people get Part A for free, but some have to pay a premium for this coverage.
To be eligible for Part A on the basis of age:
- A person must be age 65 or older
- A U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least 5 continuous years
- Be eligible for monthly Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) cash benefits.
To be eligible for Part A on the basis of disability:
- A person who is entitled to monthly Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits on the basis of disability is automatically entitled to Part A after receiving disability benefits for 24 months.
- Disabled federal, state and local government employees who are not eligible for monthly Social Security or RRB benefits may get deemed entitlement to disability benefits and automatically entitled to Part A after being disabled for 29 months.
- Individuals whose disability is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are entitled to Part A the first month they are entitled to Social Security or RRB disability cash benefits. There is no waiting period.
End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) — eligible at any age.
- Individuals are eligible for Part A if they receive regular dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant
- Have filed an application for Medicare, and
- Meet one of the following conditions:
- Have worked the required amount of time under Social Security, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), or as a government employee; or
- Are getting or are eligible for Social Security or RRB benefits; or
- Are the spouse or dependent child of a person who has worked the required amount of time under Social Security, the RRB, or as a government employee; or are getting Social Security or RRB benefits.
Prescription Drugs + Medical Savings Programs
Qualifying for QMB, SLMB, or the QI Program also qualify individuals for Extra Help to pay for prescription drugs. Eligible participants pay no more than $12.65 in 2026 for each drug their Medicare drug plan covers.
Why work with RCFS
Medicare Savings Programs can be confusing. If you are unsure which program may apply, or whether you may qualify, RCFS can help you understand the options and next steps.
- 1. Our knowledgeable team will consult with you to determine if you meet the criteria to apply.
- 2. Income and resources will be reviewed and it’s possible that countable income and resources can be converted into non-countable positions to create eligibility.
- 3. RCFS will manage the application process from submission to eligibility.
- 4. For QI recipients, RCFS will consult with you prior to submitting the annual reapplication.
