Medicare Savings Programs: Help Paying Premiums if You Qualify
Medicare Savings Programs can help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare premiums and, in some cases, other costs. Learn how they work and how to apply.
The short version
- Medicare Savings Programs are run by states and help pay Medicare premiums and sometimes other costs.
- Income and resource limits apply, and many states use more generous rules than the federal minimums.
- Qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program generally means you also qualify for Extra Help with drug costs.
In this guide
Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance can take a big bite out of a fixed income. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state programs, funded partly by the federal government, that help people with limited income and resources pay some of these costs. Many people who qualify do not apply, often because they have never heard of the programs.
The main programs
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
Helps pay Part A premiums (if you owe them), Part B premiums, and deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for Medicare-covered services. People in QMB generally should not be billed for Medicare-covered services by providers who accept Medicare.
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
Helps pay Part B premiums.
Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
Helps pay Part B premiums. Funding is limited, and applications are generally approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program
Helps pay the Part A premium for certain people with disabilities who are working.
Who may qualify
Eligibility depends on your monthly income and your resources, such as money in checking and savings accounts, stocks and bonds. Federal guidelines set minimum standards each year, but many states use higher income limits or do not count resources at all. That is why it is worth checking even if you think your income or savings are too high.
Resources usually do not include:
- Your home
- One car
- Burial plots
- Up to a certain amount set aside for burial expenses
- Household and personal items
How it connects to Extra Help
If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you generally automatically qualify for Extra Help, the federal program that lowers Part D prescription drug costs. That can mean lower premiums, deductibles and copays for your medications.
How much could it help?
The amount depends on your situation and which program you qualify for. For example, the standard Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 per month. If an MSP pays that premium, that money stays in your monthly budget instead.
How to apply
- Contact your state Medicaid office. Medicare Savings Programs are run through state Medicaid agencies, even though they are separate from full Medicaid coverage.
- Gather documents, such as your Medicare card, proof of income (Social Security statements, pension statements), bank statements and identification.
- Ask for help. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can explain the programs and help with applications at no cost.
You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask for your state's contact information.
Tips
- Apply even if you are unsure. Rules are often more generous than people expect.
- Ask about estate recovery. In most cases, states do not recover the cost of Medicare Savings Program benefits from your estate, but ask your state if you have concerns.
- Report changes. You may need to renew each year and report changes in income or resources.
- Watch for the premium change. Once approved, your Part B premium may stop being deducted from your Social Security check. It can take a few months, and you may receive a refund for months already paid.
If you are in QMB
Keep proof of your QMB status and show it to your providers. If you receive a bill for Medicare-covered services, contact 1-800-MEDICARE.
Terrameritavi is an independent publication and is not affiliated with Medicare, Medicaid or any government agency. Contact your state for the most current eligibility rules.
