Last updated: September 16, 2026
Three Medicare Savings Programs could pay your $202.90 monthly Medicare Part B premium in 2026.
That could stop as much as $2,434.80 from being deducted from your Social Security benefits over a full year.
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program and Qualifying Individual Program can all pay Part B premiums for eligible beneficiaries. A fourth program helps certain working people with disabilities pay Medicare Part A premiums.
Depending on the program, you could also receive help with:
- Medicare Part A premiums
- Medicare deductibles
- Coinsurance
- Copayments
- Medicare Part D prescription drug expenses
Do not assume that you are ineligible because your income appears slightly above a federal limit, you own a home or you have money in the bank. States can use more generous income and resource rules.
The only reliable way to determine whether you qualify is to apply through your state.
Table of Contents
Medicare Savings Programs 2026: The Quick Answer
Medicare Savings Programs help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare expenses.
Here are the four programs and their 2026 federal limits:
| Program | Individual monthly income limit | Married couple monthly income limit | Individual resource limit | Couple resource limit | What it primarily pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | $1,350 | $1,824 | $9,950 | $14,910 | Part A and B premiums and Medicare cost-sharing |
| SLMB | $1,616 | $2,184 | $9,950 | $14,910 | Part B premium |
| QI | $1,816 | $2,455 | $9,950 | $14,910 | Part B premium |
| QDWI | $5,405 | $7,299 | $4,000 | $6,000 | Part A premium |
These figures are federal limits for 2026. Income limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii, and some states allow people with income or resources above the published amounts to qualify.
The federal program guidance specifically encourages people to apply even when they do not believe they qualify.
What Are Medicare Savings Programs?
Medicare Savings Programs are state-administered assistance programs for eligible Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources.
The programs can pay expenses that would otherwise come out of a beneficiary’s Social Security payment, pension, savings or monthly household budget.
Depending on the program, assistance may pay:
- Medicare Part A premiums
- Medicare Part B premiums
- Part A and Part B deductibles
- Coinsurance
- Copayments
- Certain prescription drug expenses through Extra Help
You apply through your state Medicaid agency.
Medicare Savings Programs are not private insurance policies. They are also not the same as:
- Medicare Advantage
- Medigap
- Medicare Part D
- Social Security
- Supplemental Security Income
- Full Medicaid
Some people receive both Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program assistance, but the programs are not identical.
How Much Could a Medicare Savings Program Save You?
The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026.
If a Medicare Savings Program pays that premium for 12 months, the direct annual savings could be:
$202.90 × 12 = $2,434.80
The monthly and annual savings are shown below.
| Period | Standard Part B premium paid for you |
|---|---|
| 1 month | $202.90 |
| 3 months | $608.70 |
| 6 months | $1,217.40 |
| 9 months | $1,826.10 |
| 12 months | $2,434.80 |
Your total savings could be much higher if you qualify for QMB.
QMB can also protect you from Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for Medicare-covered services. Enrollment in QMB, SLMB or QI also provides Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
How a Medicare Savings Program Can Increase Your Social Security Deposit
Most beneficiaries have their Medicare Part B premium deducted automatically from Social Security.
If a state begins paying your Part B premium, that deduction may stop.
Consider this example:
| Payment detail | Before assistance | After assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Social Security benefit | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 |
| Part B premium deducted | −$202.90 | $0 |
| Amount before other deductions | $1,297.10 | $1,500.00 |
The Social Security benefit did not increase. Instead, the beneficiary kept more of the existing benefit because the state began paying the Medicare premium.
This distinction is important. If your deposit rises after approval, the increase is not necessarily a new Social Security benefit. It may simply reflect the removal of the Part B deduction.
Processing is not always immediate. It can take time for state approval information to reach the systems responsible for Medicare billing and Social Security withholding.
Which Medicare Savings Program Should You Investigate?
This quick decision table can point you in the right direction.
| Your situation | Program to investigate |
|---|---|
| You need help with Part A, Part B and Medicare cost-sharing | QMB |
| You need your Part B premium paid | SLMB |
| Your income is too high for SLMB but you still need Part B assistance | QI |
| You returned to work with a disability and lost premium-free Part A | QDWI |
| Your income is slightly above a federal limit | Apply anyway because state rules vary |
| You own a home or one vehicle | Apply because these assets generally do not cause automatic disqualification |
| You also need prescription drug assistance | QMB, SLMB or QI can provide Extra Help |
You do not need to choose the correct program before applying. Ask your state to screen you for every Medicare Savings Program.
1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program, commonly called QMB, provides the broadest assistance.
What does QMB pay?
QMB can pay:
- Medicare Part A premiums if you owe them
- Medicare Part B premiums
- Medicare Part A deductibles
- Medicare Part B deductibles
- Coinsurance for Medicare-covered services
- Copayments for Medicare-covered services
A person who regularly uses medical services could save substantially more through QMB than through a program that pays only the Part B premium.
2026 QMB income and resource limits
| Household situation | Monthly income limit | Resource limit |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $1,350 | $9,950 |
| Married couple | $1,824 | $14,910 |
These are the published federal limits. Your state may apply higher limits or exclude certain income and resources.
Can a doctor bill a QMB beneficiary?
Medicare providers are prohibited from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or copayments connected with Medicare-covered services and items.
This protection applies even when the provider does not participate in Medicaid.
A QMB beneficiary may still be responsible for:
- Services Medicare does not cover
- Certain limited Medicaid copayments when permitted
- Optional items or services knowingly accepted outside Medicare coverage
- Charges unrelated to Medicare-covered cost-sharing
What should you do if you receive an improper QMB bill?
Do not ignore the bill, but do not automatically pay it.
Take these steps:
- Confirm that you had QMB status on the service date.
- Contact the provider’s billing department.
- Explain that federal QMB billing protection applies.
- Show your Medicaid or QMB identification.
- Provide a Medicare Summary Notice showing your QMB status if available.
- Request written confirmation that the balance has been corrected.
- Keep copies of the bill and every communication.
- Report continued improper billing through the appropriate Medicare channel.
A collection notice should also be challenged immediately. An illegal QMB balance does not become valid merely because it was transferred to a collection agency.
QMB and prescription drug costs
QMB enrollment also provides Extra Help with Medicare Part D costs.
In 2026, qualifying beneficiaries pay no more than $12.65 for each medication covered by their Medicare drug plan. Many covered prescriptions may cost less.
The precise amount depends on the medication, plan and applicable Extra Help rules.
2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program
The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program is known as SLMB.
It provides less extensive protection than QMB but can still deliver meaningful savings.
What does SLMB pay?
SLMB pays:
- Medicare Part B premiums
It generally does not pay:
- Medicare deductibles
- Coinsurance
- Copayments
At the 2026 standard premium, SLMB could save an eligible person $202.90 per month or $2,434.80 over 12 months.
2026 SLMB income and resource limits
| Household situation | Monthly income limit | Resource limit |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $1,616 | $9,950 |
| Married couple | $2,184 | $14,910 |
You must have both Medicare Part A and Part B to qualify.
Does SLMB provide Extra Help?
Yes. SLMB enrollment also qualifies a beneficiary for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug expenses.
As a result, the total savings could exceed the $2,434.80 annual Part B premium.
3. Qualifying Individual Program
The Qualifying Individual Program is usually called QI.
Like SLMB, it can pay the Medicare Part B premium. However, its income limits are higher.
What does QI pay?
QI pays:
- Medicare Part B premiums
It generally does not pay Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or copayments.
2026 QI income and resource limits
| Household situation | Monthly income limit | Resource limit |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $1,816 | $9,950 |
| Married couple | $2,455 | $14,910 |
Applicants must have both Medicare Part A and Part B.
You must renew QI every year
QI beneficiaries must apply again every year.
States award QI benefits on a first-come, first-served basis. People who received QI during the previous year generally receive priority, but they still need to renew.
Do not wait until the end of the year. Funding is limited, and missing a renewal deadline could cause you to lose assistance.
Can someone with Medicaid receive QI?
QI is only available to people who do not qualify for another type of Medicaid coverage or benefit.
If you qualify for Medicaid, you may receive similar or broader assistance through Medicaid or a different Medicare Savings Program.
Does QI provide Extra Help?
Yes. QI enrollment also provides Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
4. Qualified Disabled and Working Individual Program
The Qualified Disabled and Working Individual Program is known as QDWI.
It serves a specific group of working people with disabilities.
Who may qualify for QDWI?
You may qualify if you:
- Have a disability
- Are working
- Lost Social Security disability benefits because you returned to work
- Lost premium-free Medicare Part A because of that return to work
- Meet applicable income and resource limits
- Do not qualify for Medicaid under the program’s rules
What does QDWI pay?
QDWI pays:
- Medicare Part A premiums
It does not pay the standard Medicare Part B premium.
Someone specifically looking for help with Part B should investigate QMB, SLMB and QI.
2026 QDWI income and resource limits
| Household situation | Monthly income limit | Resource limit |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $5,405 | $4,000 |
| Married couple | $7,299 | $6,000 |
QDWI has significantly higher income limits but lower resource limits than QMB, SLMB and QI.
QMB vs. SLMB vs. QI vs. QDWI
The programs differ most clearly in what they pay.
| Benefit | QMB | SLMB | QI | QDWI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A premium | Yes, if owed | No | No | Yes |
| Part B premium | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Part A deductible | Yes | No | No | No |
| Part B deductible | Yes | No | No | No |
| Medicare coinsurance | Yes | No | No | No |
| Medicare copayments | Yes | No | No | No |
| Automatic Extra Help | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not through QDWI alone |
| Annual reapplication specifically required | State-dependent | State-dependent | Yes | State-dependent |
QMB provides the strongest medical cost protection.
SLMB and QI are valuable because paying the Part B premium can preserve more than $2,400 of a beneficiary’s annual Social Security income.
QDWI addresses a different need: the cost of Part A for certain working people with disabilities.
Do Social Security Benefits Count as Income?
Gross Social Security benefits generally count as income when states evaluate Medicare Savings Program eligibility.
The important word is gross.
Suppose your benefit statement shows:
- Gross Social Security benefit: $1,500
- Part B premium deduction: $202.90
- Bank deposit before other deductions: $1,297.10
The state may begin its calculation with the $1,500 gross benefit rather than the $1,297.10 deposited amount.
However, that does not automatically mean all $1,500 will be counted. Applicable income exclusions or disregards may reduce countable income.
This is why comparing your gross benefit directly with an income-limit table can produce the wrong conclusion.
Example: Why Someone Above the Published Limit May Still Qualify
Imagine that a Medicare beneficiary receives $1,845 in gross monthly income.
The person looks at the $1,816 federal QI limit and assumes the income is $29 too high.
However, the state may disregard a portion of the person’s income. The state may also use a higher eligibility limit.
After applying the relevant rules, the person’s countable income could fall below the applicable threshold.
This does not mean every person slightly above the limit will qualify. It means self-rejection based on a simple comparison can cost you thousands of dollars.
Submit an application and let the state calculate countable income.
What Types of Income May Count?
Income considered during an application may include:
- Social Security benefits
- Pension payments
- Wages
- Self-employment earnings
- Retirement-account withdrawals
- Interest
- Dividends
- Rental income
- Certain veterans’ benefits
- Spousal income
- Other recurring payments
Not every type or dollar of income is necessarily counted in full.
Medicare Savings Program income is also not always calculated in the same way as taxable income. A person who owes no federal income tax could still have countable program income, while another person with income above the published limit could qualify after exclusions.
What Counts as a Resource?
Resources generally include assets that can be converted into cash and used for living or medical expenses.
Countable resources may include:
- Checking-account balances
- Savings-account balances
- Certificates of deposit
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Mutual funds
- Additional real estate
- Certain retirement accounts
- Other investments
The treatment of specific assets can vary by state.
For QMB, SLMB and QI, the 2026 federal resource limits are:
- $9,950 for an individual
- $14,910 for a married couple
For QDWI, the limits are:
- $4,000 for an individual
- $6,000 for a married couple
What Usually Does Not Count as a Resource?
Commonly excluded resources include:
- Your primary home
- One vehicle
- Household furniture
- Personal belongings
- Burial plots
- Certain funds set aside for burial expenses
- Certain life insurance values
States can use more generous rules, and some do not apply a resource test to certain Medicare Savings Programs.
Owning a home does not automatically make you ineligible.
Owning one car does not automatically disqualify you either.
Do not ask only whether you own an asset. Ask whether your state counts that particular asset for the program.
Can You Qualify if You Own a Home?
Yes.
Your primary residence generally does not count toward the Medicare Savings Program resource limit.
However, additional real estate may be treated differently.
For example, a rental property, vacation home or undeveloped land could be counted unless an exclusion applies.
Homeownership alone should never stop you from applying.
Can You Qualify if You Have Money in the Bank?
Possibly.
Money in checking and savings accounts is generally considered a resource. However, eligibility depends on:
- The total countable balance
- Whether any portion is excluded
- The program
- Marital status
- State rules
- Whether the state applies a resource test
A temporary account balance can also create confusion. For example, a Social Security payment deposited at the end of one month may still be visible when eligibility is reviewed.
Provide accurate statements and allow the state to determine what counts.
Do not transfer or give away money merely to qualify without understanding the possible consequences.
Extra Help With Prescription Drug Costs
QMB, SLMB and QI beneficiaries generally receive automatic eligibility for Extra Help, also known as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy.
Extra Help can reduce:
- Part D premiums
- Annual deductibles
- Prescription copayments
- Coinsurance
- Part D late-enrollment penalties
The actual value depends on:
- The beneficiary’s drug plan
- Medications used
- Pharmacy
- Extra Help category
- Whether each medication is covered
Someone who takes several expensive medications may save thousands of dollars beyond the Part B premium.
Can You Receive a Medicare Savings Program With Medicare Advantage?
Yes. A beneficiary can generally receive Medicare Savings Program assistance while enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
However, the way costs are handled depends on:
- The Medicare Savings Program
- The Medicare Advantage plan
- Whether the person also receives Medicaid
- Whether a service is Medicare-covered
- Provider participation
- State payment rules
QMB billing protection still applies to Medicare-covered cost-sharing when the person is enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
However, the beneficiary may remain responsible for:
- Noncovered services
- Optional supplemental benefits
- Certain plan premiums
- Charges unrelated to Medicare cost-sharing
Show all applicable insurance and assistance cards whenever you receive care.
Can You Have a Medicare Savings Program and Medigap?
It may be possible, but maintaining both may not always make financial sense.
QMB already protects a beneficiary from Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for Medicare-covered services. A Medigap policy may duplicate some of that protection.
However, do not cancel Medigap immediately after receiving Medicare Savings Program approval.
Before canceling, investigate:
- Whether the approval is ongoing or temporary
- Annual renewal requirements
- Whether you can purchase another Medigap policy later
- Medical underwriting rules
- State-specific protections
- Waiting periods
- Future premiums
- The costs QMB does not cover
Once a Medigap policy is canceled, getting it back may be difficult or expensive.
How to Apply for a Medicare Savings Program
Medicare Savings Programs are administered through state Medicaid agencies.
You are not applying to a private insurer.
Step 1: Contact your state Medicaid agency
Ask specifically for a Medicare Savings Program application.
Do not ask only whether you qualify for “Medicaid.” An employee may interpret that as an application for full Medicaid, which uses different rules.
Step 2: Request screening for all four programs
Ask to be evaluated for:
- QMB
- SLMB
- QI
- QDWI, if applicable
Do not apply only for QMB. If your income is too high for QMB, you may qualify for SLMB or QI.
Step 3: Prepare your application documents
Your state may request the following:
- Medicare card
- Social Security card or number
- Government-issued identification
- Proof of address
- Proof of citizenship or qualifying immigration status
- Social Security benefit letter
- Pension statements
- Recent pay stubs
- Bank statements
- Investment statements
- Retirement-account records
- Life insurance information
- Property information
- Marriage information
- Proof of other income
Requirements vary by state.
Step 4: Complete the application carefully
Answer every question.
When a question does not apply, follow the form’s instructions and write “none,” “zero” or “not applicable” rather than leaving the space blank.
An incomplete application can cause unnecessary delays or denial.
Step 5: Make copies
Keep copies of:
- The completed application
- Every supporting document
- Submission confirmation
- Mailing receipt
- Online confirmation number
- Notes from telephone conversations
Record the submission date and the name of anyone who helped you.
Step 6: Respond to requests immediately
The agency may ask for missing documents or clarification.
Pay attention to response deadlines. An applicant who otherwise qualifies can still be denied for failing to provide requested information.
Step 7: Read the decision notice
An approval notice should identify:
- The program
- Effective date
- Benefits covered
- Renewal requirements
- Reporting obligations
- Appeal rights
A denial notice should explain the reason and deadline for appealing.
Medicare Savings Program Application Checklist
Before applying, gather as many of these items as possible:
- Medicare card
- Social Security benefit verification letter
- Identification
- Proof of address
- Bank statements
- Pension statements
- Pay stubs
- Retirement-account statements
- Investment records
- Life insurance information
- Property information
- Marriage documents when relevant
- Immigration or citizenship documents when required
- Copies of recent medical or Medicare bills
Do not delay an application indefinitely because one document is difficult to find. Contact the state and ask what alternative evidence it accepts.
What Happens After You Are Approved?
Approval does not always produce an immediate increase in your Social Security deposit.
Several systems may need to update before the Part B deduction stops.
After approval:
- Save the approval notice.
- Confirm the program name.
- Confirm the effective date.
- Monitor your Social Security deposits.
- Review future Medicare bills.
- Check whether Extra Help begins.
- Save medical bills from the covered period.
- Follow up if the deduction continues unexpectedly.
Do not stop paying a direct Medicare bill until you receive confirmation that the state has assumed responsibility for the premium.
Could You Receive a Refund for Past Part B Premiums?
Possibly.
If the program becomes effective for months in which Part B premiums were already deducted, you may receive reimbursement for those premiums.
The refund could appear as:
- A larger Social Security payment
- A separate payment
- A credit or adjustment on a Medicare account
Timing varies by state and case.
A large payment after approval may be a refund rather than a permanent monthly benefit increase. Read the accompanying notice before treating the entire amount as recurring income.
What Should You Do if the Part B Deduction Continues?
First, compare the effective date on your approval notice with the months for which premiums were deducted.
Then take these steps:
- Contact the state office handling your Medicare Savings Program.
- Confirm that your approval remains active.
- Ask whether enrollment information was transmitted.
- Record the date and representative’s name.
- Contact Social Security about continuing premium withholding.
- Keep copies of benefit notices and bank statements.
- Request information about reimbursement when applicable.
Do not submit several duplicate applications unless the agency tells you to reapply. Duplicate cases can delay processing.
What Should You Do if Your Application Is Denied?
Read the denial notice carefully.
Common reasons include:
- Income above the applicable limit
- Resources above the limit
- Missing documents
- Incomplete application
- Failure to respond by a deadline
- Incorrect household information
- Failure to verify Medicare enrollment
- Administrative errors
If the decision is wrong, appeal before the deadline stated in the notice.
Submit evidence that directly addresses the denial reason.
For example:
- Provide missing bank statements if resources were not verified.
- Provide a benefit letter if income was unclear.
- Correct an inaccurate household size.
- Explain an excluded resource.
- Provide proof that a property is your primary residence.
- Ask whether an income disregard was applied.
If you remain above the limit, ask whether the state offers:
- Higher income thresholds
- Additional income exclusions
- No resource test
- More generous resource exclusions
- Another Medicaid eligibility category
- A spend-down or medically needy pathway
- Other Medicare premium assistance
Do You Have to Renew Every Year?
Renewal rules vary by program and state.
QI beneficiaries must reapply annually. Funding is limited, and states generally prioritize previous recipients, but renewal is still required.
Other beneficiaries may receive periodic renewal forms or eligibility reviews.
Open every letter from the state. A missed renewal request can cause assistance to end, allowing the Part B premium deduction to return.
Report changes when required, including changes to:
- Income
- Resources
- Address
- Marital status
- Household composition
- Employment
- Other insurance
Medicare Savings Program Mistakes That Can Cost You Money
Avoid these common mistakes.
Assuming enrollment is automatic
A low Social Security payment does not automatically enroll you. You normally must apply through your state.
Using your bank deposit as income
The state generally begins with gross income and then applies relevant exclusions. Your deposited amount may already have Medicare and tax deductions removed.
Rejecting yourself based on the federal table
State limits and calculation rules may be more generous.
Believing your home disqualifies you
A primary residence generally does not count as a resource.
Applying only for QMB
You may still qualify for SLMB or QI if your income is too high for QMB.
Ignoring Extra Help
QMB, SLMB and QI generally provide prescription drug assistance automatically.
Paying an improper QMB bill
QMB beneficiaries are protected from Medicare cost-sharing bills for covered services.
Missing a QI renewal
QI requires annual reapplication, and funding is limited.
Canceling Medigap too quickly
Future Medigap enrollment may be difficult or expensive. Investigate the consequences before canceling.
Ignoring notices after approval
Approval is not the end of the process. Confirm that premium payment and prescription drug assistance actually begin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Savings Programs
The following answers address the questions beneficiaries commonly ask about Medicare Savings Programs in 2026.
1. What are Medicare Savings Programs?
They are state-administered programs that help eligible Medicare beneficiaries pay certain premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
2. What are the four Medicare Savings Programs?
They are QMB, SLMB, QI and QDWI.
3. Which programs pay the Medicare Part B premium?
QMB, SLMB and QI can pay the Part B premium.
4. Which Medicare Savings Program offers the most help?
QMB generally provides the most comprehensive assistance because it can pay premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for Medicare-covered services.
5. How much is the Part B premium in 2026?
The standard premium is $202.90 per month.
6. How much could I save in one year?
Having the standard Part B premium paid for 12 months could save $2,434.80. QMB and Extra Help could provide additional savings.
7. What is the 2026 QMB income limit?
The federal monthly limit is $1,350 for an individual and $1,824 for a married couple.
8. What is the 2026 SLMB income limit?
The federal monthly limit is $1,616 for an individual and $2,184 for a married couple.
9. What is the 2026 QI income limit?
The federal monthly limit is $1,816 for an individual and $2,455 for a married couple.
10. What is the 2026 QDWI income limit?
The federal monthly limit is $5,405 for an individual and $7,299 for a married couple.
11. Can I qualify if my income is slightly above the limit?
Possibly. States can use higher limits and disregard portions of income.
12. Does Social Security count as income?
Gross Social Security benefits generally count, although applicable exclusions may reduce countable income.
13. Does my home count as a resource?
A primary residence generally does not count.
14. Does my car count as a resource?
One vehicle is generally excluded under federal rules.
15. Does money in a bank account count?
Checking and savings balances generally count, but state exclusions and resource rules can vary.
16. Can I receive assistance if I have Medicare Advantage?
Yes. Medicare Savings Program eligibility is generally compatible with Medicare Advantage enrollment.
17. Can I have a Medicare Savings Program and Medigap?
It may be possible, but paying for overlapping coverage may not make financial sense. Investigate future Medigap rights before canceling a policy.
18. Do Medicare Savings Programs provide prescription drug help?
QMB, SLMB and QI beneficiaries generally receive Extra Help with Medicare Part D costs.
19. Can a provider bill someone enrolled in QMB?
A provider cannot bill a QMB beneficiary for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or copayments related to Medicare-covered services.
20. Where do I apply?
Apply through your state Medicaid agency.
21. Will my Social Security deposit increase after approval?
It may increase when the Part B deduction stops. Your gross Social Security benefit does not increase because of the program.
22. How quickly will my Part B deduction stop?
Processing time varies. State approval may not appear in the next Social Security payment immediately.
23. Can I receive a refund for premiums already deducted?
Possibly. Premiums deducted for months covered retroactively may be reimbursed.
24. Does QI need to be renewed every year?
Yes. QI beneficiaries must reapply annually.
25. Should I apply even if I believe I will be denied?
Yes. State rules may be more generous, and income or resource exclusions may make you eligible.
Conclusion
Medicare Savings Programs could stop the $202.90 standard Part B premium from being deducted from your Social Security benefits in 2026.
That represents potential savings of $2,434.80 over a full year.
QMB offers the broadest protection by paying premiums and Medicare cost-sharing for covered services. SLMB and QI can pay the Part B premium, while QDWI can help certain working people with disabilities pay for Part A.
Enrollment in QMB, SLMB or QI can also provide Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
Most importantly, do not disqualify yourself.
Your primary home and one vehicle generally do not count as resources. Your state may also use higher income limits, apply income exclusions or eliminate certain resource restrictions.
Gather your documents, contact your state Medicaid agency and request screening for every Medicare Savings Program.
One application could preserve thousands of dollars that would otherwise disappear from your Social Security benefits and medical budget.
