Medicare Savings Programs: QMB, SLMB, and QI
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. If you qualify, these programs can save you thousands of dollars per year on healthcare costs.
Medicare Savings Programs help low-income beneficiaries pay Medicare costs through four programs: QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI.
Key facts:
QMB provides the most comprehensive coverage — premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance
SLMB and QI focus on Part B premium assistance for those with slightly higher incomes
QMB and SLMB enrollees automatically qualify for Part D Extra Help
Applications go through your state Medicaid office, not Medicare
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
QMB is the most comprehensive Medicare Savings Program. It covers Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for eligible beneficiaries. QMB enrollees also cannot be balance-billed by providers — they're protected by federal law.
For 2026, QMB income limits are $1,350 monthly for individuals and $1,824 monthly for married couples. Resource limits are $9,950 for individuals and $14,910 for couples.
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
SLMB covers Medicare Part B premiums for people with incomes slightly above QMB limits. While it doesn't cover deductibles or coinsurance like QMB does, it still saves enrollees $202.90/month (the standard 2026 Part B premium).
For 2026, SLMB income limits are $1,616 monthly for individuals and $2,184 monthly for married couples.
Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
QI provides Part B premium assistance for people with incomes above SLMB limits but still below a threshold. Like SLMB, QI covers your Part B premium. Unlike QMB and SLMB, QI funding is limited — applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
For 2026, QI income limits are $1,816 monthly for individuals and $2,455 monthly for married couples.
Program Comparison
Feature | QMB | SLMB | QI |
|---|---|---|---|
Part A premium | Yes | No | No |
Part B premium | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Deductibles | Yes | No | No |
Coinsurance/copays | Yes | No | No |
Income limit (individual) | $1,350/mo | $1,616/mo | $1,816/mo |
Income limit (couple) | $1,824/mo | $2,184/mo | $2,455/mo |
Auto Extra Help | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Application Process and Documentation
Medicare Savings Program applications are processed through state Medicaid offices, not through Medicare or Social Security. You'll typically need:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of Medicare enrollment (Medicare card)
- Income documentation (Social Security benefit letter, tax returns, pay stubs)
- Asset documentation (bank statements, investment account statements)
- Proof of residency in your state
Income and Asset Counting Rules
Medicare Savings Programs use modified Medicaid income counting rules with specific exclusions. Not everything counts as income or assets:
- Excluded from assets: Your home, one car, burial plots, up to $1,500 in burial funds
- Excluded from income: First $20 of most income, first $65 of earned income
- Counted as income: Social Security benefits, pensions, investment income
- Counted as assets: Bank accounts, stocks, bonds, additional vehicles
Benefits Coordination with Other Programs
QMB and SLMB beneficiaries automatically qualify for Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidies (Extra Help), which significantly reduces prescription drug costs. This dual benefit can save enrollees thousands of dollars annually on medications.
If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you may also be eligible for other assistance programs like SNAP (food assistance) and LIHEAP (energy assistance). Your state Medicaid office can help identify additional programs.