Medicare is not free. Many people pay a monthly premium for Part B, and deductibles and copays can make medical care even more expensive.
Your state may have a program that pays some of those costs for you. These are called Medicare Savings Programs, and they can make a real difference when you’re living on a fixed income.
Here’s what they pay, who qualifies, and how to apply, even if you live alone and have no one to help with the paperwork.
What Do Medicare Savings Programs Pay For?
We’ll focus on three Medicare Savings Programs here: QMB, SLMB, and QI. Each helps pay different Medicare costs. Your state determines which one you qualify for.
All three are described on Medicare.gov.
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
QMB provides the most help of these three programs.
It pays:
- Your Medicare Part B premium.
- Your Medicare Part A premium, if you have to pay one.
- Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for services and items covered by Medicare.
If you have QMB, Medicare providers cannot bill you for Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. You may still owe a small Medicaid copayment in certain situations.
That protection can be especially valuable if you need regular doctor visits or other medical care.
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
SLMB pays your Medicare Part B premium.
It doesn’t cover your other Medicare deductibles or copayments.
You must have both Medicare Part A and Part B to qualify.
Qualifying Individual (QI)
QI also pays your Medicare Part B premium only.
It’s designed for people whose income is a little too high for SLMB but who still need help paying Medicare costs.
You must have both Medicare Part A and Part B.
QI has additional rules, including annual reapplication and limited funding, which we’ll explain below.
What Else Do You Get If You Qualify?
There’s another valuable benefit.
If you qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you automatically qualify for Extra Help, a federal program that reduces Medicare Part D prescription drug costs.
You don’t need to submit a separate Extra Help application once you’re enrolled in one of these Medicare Savings Programs.
According to Medicare.gov, your copayment in 2026 will be no more than $12.65 for each covered prescription drug. Some people pay less.
That means these programs can help with more than just your monthly Medicare premium.
Who Qualifies?
Each program has a monthly income limit. The limits increase from QMB to SLMB to QI.
For 2026, Medicare.gov lists these monthly income limits:
| Program | Single Person | Married Couple |
|---|---|---|
| QMB | $1,350 | $1,824 |
| SLMB | $1,616 | $2,184 |
| QI | $1,816 | $2,455 |
These are the federal figures for 2026. Income limits change each year.
Our federal poverty level guide explains more about how income guidelines work for assistance programs.
What About Savings and Other Resources?
Your savings and other countable resources can also affect eligibility.
For 2026, CMS sets the federal resource limits for QMB, SLMB, and QI at:
- $9,950 for one person.
- $14,910 for a married couple.
These limits generally consider your income and resources, along with your spouse’s if you’re married.
However, states have different rules about what income and resources count.
Some states disregard certain income or resources, and the income limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
Don’t rule yourself out just because you’re slightly over the federal numbers. Medicare.gov encourages people to apply even if they think they might not qualify.
Your state Medicaid agency can review your situation and determine whether you’re eligible.
Special Rules for QI
QI has a few additional requirements:
- You must have Medicare Part A and Part B.
- You cannot qualify for other Medicaid coverage or benefits and receive QI.
- Funding is limited, so applications are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
- People who received QI the previous year get priority.
- You must reapply for QI every year.
If you qualify for other Medicaid coverage and can’t receive QI, you may still be eligible for another Medicare Savings Program.
How Do You Apply?
You apply through your state because Medicare Savings Programs are administered by state Medicaid agencies.
Here’s how to get started.
1. Find Your State Medicaid Office
Visit Medicaid.gov’s state assistance directory and select your state.
You’ll find links to your state’s Medicaid website, contact information, and enrollment resources.
2. Complete Your State’s Application
Follow the application instructions provided by your state.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to apply online or through another state-approved application process.
You don’t have to decide whether you need QMB, SLMB, or QI before applying. Your state will determine which program fits your circumstances.
3. You Can Also Start Through Extra Help
There’s another way to begin the process.
When you apply for Extra Help through Social Security, Social Security can send your information to your state to start a Medicare Savings Program application, unless you tell them not to.
This may be helpful if you’re already applying for prescription drug assistance.
However, applying for Extra Help doesn’t automatically mean you’re approved for a Medicare Savings Program. Your state Medicaid agency must still review your eligibility.
4. Gather Your Information
It’s helpful to have your Medicare card, income information, and financial records nearby.
Depending on your state and circumstances, you may be asked for documents such as:
- Bank statements
- Tax records
- Pension or retirement benefit statements
- Social Security income information
- VA benefit statements
- Other records showing your income or resources
Each state determines what documentation it needs, so check the instructions before submitting your application.
Who Can Help If You’re Doing This Alone?
You don’t have to figure out every form by yourself.
Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free Medicare counseling.
According to the Administration for Community Living, SHIP counselors can help people understand and apply for Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, and Extra Help.
They can also help explain notices and paperwork.
You can find your local program at SHIPHelp.org.
Having someone walk through the application with you can make the process feel much more manageable, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Medicaid or Medicare forms.
What Are the Catches?
The biggest unknown is timing.
Medicare.gov doesn’t provide one nationwide processing timeline for Medicare Savings Program applications. Your state handles eligibility decisions, so ask your Medicaid office how long the process may take and when assistance could begin.
Keep copies of your application and any documents you submit.
If you qualify for QMB, remember to show both your Medicare card and your Medicaid or QMB card when receiving care.
This helps providers recognize your QMB status and understand that they generally cannot bill you for Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments.
If you receive a bill you believe QMB should cover, don’t assume you have to pay it. Contact your provider or your state Medicaid agency to ask for a review.
Relief Recap
Medicare premiums and copays can add up quickly when you’re living on a fixed income. Many people don’t realize their state may be able to help pay those costs.
QMB can cover Medicare premiums and eligible out-of-pocket costs, while SLMB and QI can pay your Part B premium. All three also qualify you for Extra Help with prescription drug costs.
Income and resource limits apply, but state rules can make a difference. Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s worth checking.
Start with the official Medicare Savings Programs page, contact your state Medicaid agency, or ask a free SHIP counselor for help.
And if you’re managing your finances without family support nearby, our guide to free financial help for seniors without kids has more resources worth exploring.
