Medicare Savings Program Eligibility Calculator
Check whether you qualify for QMB, SLMB or QI in 2026 and see how much a Medicare Savings Program could save you.
A Medicare Savings Program pays your Part B premium. The broadest one, QMB, also pays your Medicare deductibles and copays. In 2026 the federal income limits for one person are $1,350 a month for QMB, $1,616 for SLMB and $1,816 for QI, with higher limits for couples. Many states allow higher incomes.
If you have Medicare and a limited income, one of these programs could pay your Part B premium or more. Enter your income, household size and assets below to see which one you are likely to qualify for under the federal limits.
Check Your Medicare Savings Program Eligibility
Qualifying for QMB, SLMB, or QI also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, which lowers your Part D prescription drug costs too.
These are FEDERAL MINIMUM limits. Many states set higher income and/or asset limits, and at least 12 states plus DC have eliminated the asset test entirely. Apply through your state Medicaid agency whatever this calculator shows. Your state may approve you when the federal figures would not.
| Program | 2026 monthly income limit, one person | What it pays |
|---|---|---|
| QMB | $1,350 | Part B premium, Part A premium if you owe one, and all Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays |
| SLMB | $1,616 | Part B premium |
| QI | $1,816 | Part B premium |
What it is worth. The Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026. Having it paid adds about $2,435 a year to your Social Security payments. QMB is worth more, because doctors and hospitals are not allowed to bill a QMB member for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or copays.
Extra Help comes with it. Anyone approved for QMB, SLMB or QI gets Extra Help with Part D drug costs automatically.
QI is limited. Funding for QI is granted each year on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early in the year, and you have to reapply annually. You cannot have QI and Medicaid at the same time.
Assets. All three programs have a federal asset limit: $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple in 2026. Your home and one vehicle are not counted.
Apply even if you are slightly over. These are federal minimums. Many states set higher income limits, and several have no asset test. Apply through your state Medicaid agency. A SHIP counselor can help with the application at no cost.
The income limits change each year after the new poverty guidelines are published, usually in January.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Medicare Savings Program?
It is a program run by states and funded through Medicaid that helps people with limited income and assets pay Medicare costs. There are three main ones: QMB, SLMB and QI.
What's the difference between QMB, SLMB, and QI?
QMB pays Medicare premiums and all deductibles, coinsurance and copays. SLMB and QI pay only the Part B premium. QMB has the lowest income limit and QI the highest.
What is the income limit for QMB in 2026?
$1,350 a month for one person or $1,824 a month for a couple under the federal limits. Some states set higher limits.
What assets count toward the Medicare Savings Program limit?
Bank accounts, stocks and similar resources. Your primary home and one vehicle do not count. The 2026 federal limit is $9,950 for one person or $14,910 for a couple, and many states have no asset test.
Does qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program help with prescription drug costs too?
Yes. Qualifying for QMB, SLMB or QI qualifies you automatically for Extra Help, which lowers your Part D prescription drug costs.
What if I don't qualify under federal limits?
Apply anyway. Many states use higher income and asset limits than the federal minimums, and some have no asset test, so you may qualify although this calculator shows you over the federal limit.
This calculator compares your information with the federal minimum eligibility limits. It is not a determination of eligibility. Many states use higher income and asset limits, and some have no asset test, so your state's decision may differ from this estimate. For an official decision, apply through your state Medicaid agency.