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Glossary

Qualifying Individual (QI)

A Qualifying Individual (QI) is a person with Medicare who has limited income and resources and qualifies for help paying their Medicare Part B premium through a Medicare Savings Program.

A Qualifying Individual (QI) is one of four types of Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). These programs help people with Medicare pay their healthcare costs when income and resources are low.

If you qualify as a QI, the program pays your Medicare Part B premium. Your monthly income must be at or below $1,816 for an individual or $2,455 for a married couple. You can have resources (savings, investments) up to $9,950 for an individual or $14,910 for a married couple.

QI is first come, first served, so apply as soon as you think you may qualify. You must apply every year to keep your coverage.

If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you automatically qualify for Extra Help with Medicare drug costs.

Apply through your state Medicaid agency. Some states have higher income limits or don't count resources, so it's worth applying even if you're slightly over these limits.

Programs where this matters

Extra HelpSocial Security AdministrationExtra Help may lower what people with Medicare and limited income and resources pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.MSPCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare Savings Programs help people with Medicare who have limited income and resources pay Medicare costs such as premiums.MedicareCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare is federal health insurance for older adults and some younger people with disabilities.