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What does the QMB program pay for?

QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) covers your Medicare Part B premiums, deductibles, and copayments if you have low income. It's a state program that helps reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Program rules & income limits
  • Published Sep 18, 2026
  • Reviewed Sep 21, 2026
  • 1 min read
An older woman leaving a doctor's office

QMB (the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program) pays for three things: your Medicare Part B premiums, your Part B deductibles, and your copayments when you get care.

What QMB covers

If you qualify for QMB, the program pays:

  • Your Medicare Part B monthly premium
  • Your Part B deductible (the amount you pay before Medicare covers care)
  • Your copayments for Part B services (the small amounts you pay at each doctor visit or service)

QMB does not cover your Part A deductible or copayments, prescription drugs, or services Medicare doesn't cover.

Who can get QMB

You can qualify if you have low income and resources. The income limit depends on your state and family size. Your state administers the program, so eligibility rules may vary slightly.

Apply through your state Medicaid office. Applying is free.

If you don't qualify for QMB, you may qualify for SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) or QI (Qualified Individual). These programs cover different costs and may have higher income limits. Visit our Medicare Savings Programs page to learn more.

Frequently asked questions

Does QMB cover prescription drugs?

No. QMB covers Part B premiums, deductibles, and copayments only. For help with prescription drug costs, check if you qualify for the Low-Income Subsidy (also called Extra Help) or your state's Pharmaceutical Assistance Program.

Does QMB cover Part A costs?

No. QMB covers Part B costs. Part A includes hospital care. If you need help with Part A costs, you may qualify for a different Medicare Savings Program.

How do I apply for QMB?

Contact your state Medicaid office to apply. You can find your state office on our state pages. The application is free. Only the Medicaid agency decides if you qualify.

Programs in this article

MSPState-run · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare Savings Programs help people with Medicare who have limited income and resources pay Medicare costs such as premiums.

Official sources

  1. Medicare Savings Programs

Last reviewed Sep 21, 2026. Found an error? Tell us.

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Program rules & income limits

Researched from official agency sources and checked against our editorial policy.

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