Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI)

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help you pay the costs of Medicare if you have limited income and resources. The program pays some or all of your Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. Applying is free, and your state Medicaid agency decides if you qualify.

What Medicare Savings Programs cover

There are four Medicare Savings Programs. Which one you may qualify for depends on your income and resources.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

QMB covers the most. It pays:

• Your Part A premium
• Your Part B premium
• Your Part A deductibles and coinsurance
• Your Part B copayments and coinsurance

Monthly income limits:

• Individual: $1,350
• Married couple: $1,824

Resource limits:

• Individual: $9,950
• Married couple: $14,910

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)

SLMB pays your Part B premium.

Monthly income limits:

• Individual: $1,616
• Married couple: $2,184

Resource limits:

• Individual: $9,950
• Married couple: $14,910

Qualifying Individual (QI)

QI also pays your Part B premium.

Monthly income limits:

• Individual: $1,816
• Married couple: $2,455

Resource limits:

• Individual: $9,950
• Married couple: $14,910

QI is first come, first served. There are only limited funds available each year. If you qualify for QI, you must apply every year to stay enrolled.

Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI)

QDWI is for people under 65 with disabilities who returned to work. It pays your Part A premium.

Monthly income limits:

• Individual: $5,405
• Married couple: $7,299

Resource limits:

• Individual: $4,000
• Married couple: $6,000

Who qualifies

You must have Medicare to qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. You also must meet the income and resource limits for the program.

Income and resources vary by household size. The limits above are for individuals and married couples. If your household is larger, ask your state Medicaid agency what the limits are.

Income usually includes Social Security, pensions, wages and interest. Some types of income may not count. Resources include savings accounts, stocks and property you own (but usually not your home or car).

Important: Some states have higher income limits or don't count resources at all. If your income or resources are just over the limits, you should still apply. You may qualify in your state.

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

How to apply

You apply through your state Medicaid agency, not Medicare. Each state handles applications differently.

Find your state's page for specific instructions.

When you apply, have these documents ready:

• Proof of income (Social Security statements, paystubs, tax returns)
• Proof of resources (bank statements, investment statements)
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status
• Your Medicare card
• Your Social Security number
• Proof of residency in your state

You can usually apply online, by mail or in person. Some states let you apply by phone.

What happens after you apply

The state Medicaid agency will review your application and let you know if you qualify. This usually takes 30 to 45 days, but it varies by state.

If you qualify, the program will start paying your Medicare costs. You may get a new Medicare card showing you are enrolled in a Savings Program.

If you do not qualify, the agency will explain why and tell you if you can appeal the decision.

Renewing your enrollment

You need to renew your enrollment each year. The Medicaid agency will send you a renewal form before your benefits end. Return the form on time so you do not lose your benefits.

For QI, you must apply every year. Funds are limited, and enrollment is not guaranteed.

Related programs

If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you may also qualify for other programs:

• Extra Help with Medicare drug costs — automatic if you qualify for MSP
• Medicaid — helps pay medical costs
• SNAP — helps pay for food

You can check all the programs you may qualify for with our benefits screener.

Get more help

For questions about Medicare Savings Programs, contact your state Medicaid agency. Use the links above to find your state's office.