Many Medicare beneficiaries pay significantly more than they need to for their healthcare — simply because they don’t know about the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). These state-administered programs can pay your Medicare Part B premium (worth $202.90/month in 2026), and some programs cover deductibles and copays too. Millions of Americans qualify but haven’t applied.
What Are Medicare Savings Programs?
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are a category of Medicaid programs designed specifically to help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Medicare costs. There are four types of MSPs, each covering different expenses and serving different income levels.
MSPs are funded jointly by the federal and state governments and administered by state Medicaid agencies. While the basic structure is federally defined, some states have expanded their MSP programs to cover more people than the federal minimums.
The Four Medicare Savings Programs
1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
QMB is the most comprehensive Medicare Savings Program. If you qualify for QMB, the program pays your:
- Medicare Part A premium (if applicable)
- Medicare Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026)
- Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles
- Medicare Part A and Part B copays and coinsurance
2026 income limit (individual): Approximately $1,255/month ($15,060/year)
2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
SLMB pays your Medicare Part B premium only. It does not pay deductibles or copays.
2026 income limit (individual): Approximately $1,502/month ($18,024/year)
3. Qualifying Individual (QI)
QI, sometimes called the “Additional Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary” (ALMB) program, also pays your Medicare Part B premium only. It has a higher income limit than SLMB.
2026 income limit (individual): Approximately $1,688/month ($20,256/year)
Note: QI has limited slots and is first-come, first-served each year. Apply early.
4. Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI)
QDWI is for disabled individuals under 65 who lost Medicare due to returning to work. It pays the Medicare Part A premium only. Most people don’t need this program, but it’s available for those in this specific situation.
QMB+, SLMB+, and Full Benefit Dual Eligible (FBDE)
Beyond the four standard MSP tiers, there are important “Plus” categories for people who qualify for both an MSP and full Medicaid coverage. These distinctions matter significantly for D-SNP plan benefits and cost-sharing.
QMB+ (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Plus)
A QMB+ member has QMB status AND is enrolled in full Medicaid. This means they receive all the QMB protections (Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and copays covered) plus the full range of Medicaid benefits including long-term services, personal care, behavioral health, and other state Medicaid services. QMB+ members are among the highest-benefit tier of dual eligibles.
SLMB+ (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Plus)
An SLMB+ member has SLMB status AND is enrolled in full Medicaid. Like QMB+, the “Plus” means the person receives full Medicaid benefits in addition to having their Part B premium paid. SLMB+ members typically have slightly higher income than QMB+ but still qualify for full Medicaid in their state.
FBDE (Full Benefit Dual Eligible)
FBDE is the umbrella term for anyone who has both Medicare and full Medicaid simultaneously — regardless of their MSP tier. This includes QMB+, SLMB+, and others with full Medicaid. The key distinction from a partial dual eligible is:
| Category | Medicare | Medicaid | D-SNP Benefit Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBDE (QMB+, SLMB+) | Full Part A + B | Full Medicaid | Richest tier — $0 copays, max supplemental benefits |
| Partial Dual (QMB, SLMB, QI only) | Full Part A + B | MSP only (no full Medicaid) | Good benefits, some cost-sharing may apply |
2026 Income and Resource Limits
| Program | Individual Monthly Income | Couple Monthly Income | What It Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | ∼$1,255 | ∼$1,704 | Part A + B premiums, deductibles, copays |
| SLMB | ∼$1,502 | ∼$2,034 | Part B premium only |
| QI | ∼$1,688 | ∼$2,286 | Part B premium only |
Most MSPs also have a resource (asset) test. Excluded assets typically include your home, one car, personal property, and certain burial funds. Bank accounts, savings, and investments generally count.
Benefits of Medicare Savings Programs
Beyond paying Medicare costs, enrolling in an MSP provides additional advantages:
- Automatic Extra Help: QMB, SLMB, and QI members automatically qualify for Medicare Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) for Part D drug costs — no separate application needed.
- D-SNP eligibility: MSP enrollment makes you eligible for Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), which offer richer Medicare Advantage benefits.
- No annual deductible for Extra Help: You pay $0 Part D deductible and very low drug copays.
- Protection from billing: QMB members cannot be billed for Medicare cost-sharing by any provider.
How to Apply for a Medicare Savings Program
You can apply for a Medicare Savings Program through several channels:
Through Your State Medicaid Office
Contact your state’s Medicaid agency directly (find your state agency at medicaid.gov). You can typically apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
Through Social Security
When you apply for Medicare Extra Help through Social Security (at SSA.gov/extrahelp or by calling 1-800-772-1213), SSA will automatically forward your information to your state Medicaid office for MSP consideration.
Through a Licensed Medicare Agent
A licensed agent can help you determine which program you may qualify for and guide you through the application process at no cost to you.
Find Out Which Program You Qualify For
Our agents help seniors navigate MSPs, Extra Help, and D-SNP enrollment — all for free.
📞 Call 1-866-340-3441MSPs and D-SNP Eligibility
If you qualify for any Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, or QI), you are also eligible to enroll in a D-SNP — a special type of Medicare Advantage plan with significantly richer benefits. D-SNPs for MSP members often provide:
- $0 monthly premiums
- $0 or very low drug copays through Extra Help
- Enhanced dental, vision, and hearing coverage
- OTC benefit cards and food allowances
- Dedicated care management