Who qualifies
Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources. For 2026, the federal monthly income limits are $1,350 individual / $1,824 couple for QMB, $1,616 / $2,184 for SLMB, and $1,816 / $2,455 for QI. The resource limit for those programs is $9,950 individual / $14,910 couple. Alaska and Hawaii are higher, and states may use more generous rules.
What you get
Four programs (QMB, SLMB, QI, QDWI) can pay Medicare premiums. QMB can also cover Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for covered services. The standard Part B premium these programs may pay is $202.90/month in 2026.
Federal figures verified July 16, 2026. Sources: Medicare.gov 2026 Medicare Savings Program limits.
Tips that matter
Apply even if you are near or above the federal limits because states can count income and resources differently. Apply through your state Medicaid office; QI funding is first-come, first-served and requires annual renewal.
How to apply
Find your state Medicaid office via medicaid.gov, or use BenefitsCheckUp.org for a screener.
State-level help on top of this
Most states layer their own programs on top of this federal one — pharmacy assistance, property tax relief, state Medicaid waivers. Pick your state to see what's available where you live.