Introduction
Medicare doesn't come free. Every beneficiary pays a Part B premium, and in 2026 the standard amount is $202.90 a month, plus a $283 annual deductible.
Part B also pays only 80% of approved charges. For someone living on a fixed income, that adds up fast.
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) exist to ease that load. These state-run Medicaid programs help eligible people pay Medicare costs, especially the Part B premium.
This guide covers basic eligibility, income and resource rules, the four MSP types, state differences, and how to apply.
Key Takeaways
- MSP eligibility starts with having or qualifying for Medicare Part A, then meeting income and resource rules.
- QMB, SLMB, and QI can help with Part B premiums; QDWI covers Part A premiums.
- Limits, exclusions, and program names vary by state and change yearly.
- Apply through your state Medicaid agency and confirm current rules with official sources.
What Are Medicare Savings Programs and What Part B Help Can They Provide?
A Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is not a Medicare plan. It is payment assistance run through your state's Medicaid agency. Depending on the program, it can cover:
- The Part B premium
- Part A premiums, if you owe one
- Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments (QMB only)
How MSPs Differ From Other Coverage
MSPs aren't full Medicaid. Many recipients get only premium or cost-sharing help, though some separately qualify for full Medicaid. They also don't change how you get Medicare.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles Parts A and B, and sometimes Part D, through a private insurer.
- Medigap is private insurance with 12 standardized plans that fill gaps in Original Medicare. You need Parts A and B to buy one.
- MSP pays certain costs and works alongside whichever route you use.
Related Protections Worth Knowing
Medicare.gov states that people in QMB, SLMB, and QI also receive Part D Extra Help automatically.
QMB also includes a billing shield. Under Social Security Act Section 1902(n)(3), providers cannot bill QMB recipients for Medicare-covered Part A and B deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. That protection applies even when the provider does not accept Medicaid. Small Medicaid copayments may still apply.
Who Qualifies for Help With Part B?
Baseline Requirements
You need Medicare Part A or eligibility for it. QMB generally requires Part A. SLMB and QI require both Part A and Part B.
Age alone doesn't decide this. Medicare covers people 65 and older, plus some younger people with disabilities. Premium-free Part A generally requires that you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
2026 Federal Income and Resource Limits
These CMS figures (revised February 11, 2026) include the $20 general income disregard.
| Program | % of FPL | Monthly income (individual) | Monthly income (couple) | Resources (individual / couple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | 100% | $1,350 | $1,824 | $9,950 / $14,910 |
| SLMB | 120% | $1,616 | $2,184 | $9,950 / $14,910 |
| QI | 135% | $1,816 | $2,455 | $9,950 / $14,910 |
| QDWI | 200% | $5,405 | $7,299 | $4,000 / $6,000 |
Limits run higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
How Income Gets Counted
Applications ask for gross income before deductions: Social Security, pensions, wages, rental or self-employment income, dividends, and interest. Eligibility staff then apply exclusions.
Connecticut, for example, excludes the first $65 of earnings and counts half of the rest. Medicare.gov confirms people can qualify above the federal limits because of state exclusions. Apply even if your estimate runs slightly over.
How Resources Get Counted
Countable resources typically include bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Colorado's list of exclusions shows the usual pattern: the home, one car, a burial plot, qualifying burial funds, furniture, and personal items.
Resource rules also vary by state:
- Washington: no MSP resource test
- Connecticut: no MSP asset test
- California: $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 per additional household member (as of January 1, 2026)
QDWI Conditions
QDWI is narrower. You must meet all of these conditions:
- Be under 65, disabled, and working
- Have lost premium-free Part A after returning to work
- Not be eligible for other state medical assistance
QDWI pays the Part A premium, not Part B.
The Four Medicare Savings Programs
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
QMB offers the broadest help: the Part B premium, the Part A premium if owed, and Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Coverage generally starts the first day of the month after approval, with no retroactive months.
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
SLMB pays the Part B premium only. Coverage can reach back up to three months before you applied, if you were eligible then. You must have Parts A and B to enroll, and SLMB covers only the Part B premium, not Part A.
Qualifying Individual (QI)
QI also pays the Part B premium only, with notable restrictions:
- Funding is limited by state allotments, first-come, first-served
- Previous-year recipients get priority
- You must reapply every year
- You can't qualify if you're eligible for other Medicaid
- Retroactive coverage can reach back up to three months, but not before January of the application year
Some states use different names. Connecticut calls its third tier ALMB.
Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI)
QDWI pays the Part A premium for certain disabled working people under 65. In 2026, Part A costs $311 a month with at least 30 quarters of coverage or $565 a month without. It's not the typical route for Part B help.
How the Programs Compare
| Feature | QMB | SLMB | QI | QDWI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covers | Premiums plus cost-sharing | Part B premium | Part B premium | Part A premium |
| Key catch | No retroactive coverage | Income/resource rules | Funding cap, yearly reapplication | Working-disability pathway |
You don't pick your program. The state reviews your application and places you in the one you qualify for.
A Note on Federal Rule Changes
CMS finalized rules in 2023 and 2024 to simplify MSP enrollment. A November 18, 2025 bulletin says certain provisions with later compliance dates fall under a moratorium through September 30, 2034. Automatic QMB enrollment for most Medicare-eligible SSI recipients, effective October 1, 2024, is excluded from that pause.
Applying for a Medicare Savings Program
Apply through your state Medicaid agency or designated benefits office. Medicare plan carriers and agents don't decide MSP eligibility. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling, and you can find yours at shiphelp.org.
What to Gather
- Medicare card with Part A and Part B dates
- Proof of birth date and residence
- Social Security, pension, and benefit-award letters
- Pay stubs or wage records
- Bank and investment statements, where your state counts assets
- Household details
- Disability or work information, if relevant
Requirements vary. New York asks for Medicare card copies and income proof, while Connecticut says documents aren't needed unless the department requests them.
What Happens Next
- Decision: States generally have 45 days to decide, or 90 days for disability-based applications.
- Notice: You'll get a written eligibility notice.
- Renewal: QI requires annual reapplication, and New York requires yearly recertification. Connecticut normally grants a year and may renew automatically.
- Appeals: If you're denied or delayed, you have Medicaid fair-hearing rights.
Where Muneris Benefits Fits
The state Medicaid agency decides MSP eligibility. Muneris Benefits' licensed agents, such as Lauren Hand, can explain Medicare plan choices and help people transitioning to Medicare.
While you apply, watch for scams. Medicare does not call you uninvited to ask for personal information, and official government sites end in .gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)?
You need Medicare Part A or eligibility for it, plus income and resource levels within your program's limits. Each program has its own rules, and states vary. Check your state Medicaid agency for current figures.
Are Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) legitimate?
Yes. They're government assistance programs run through state Medicaid agencies. Use official .gov websites and never share personal information with unsolicited callers.
What are the four types of Medicare Savings Programs?
They are QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI. QMB, SLMB, and QI generally help with Part B premiums, while QDWI generally helps with Part A premiums.
What is the income limit for Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) in CT?
Connecticut's limits effective March 1, 2026 are $2,807 a month (individual) and $3,806 (couple) for QMB. SLMB is $3,073 and $4,166, and ALMB is $3,272 and $4,437. There's no asset test.
Can Medicare Savings Programs help pay my Medicare Part B premium?
Yes. QMB, SLMB, and QI may pay it if you meet the requirements. QDWI generally covers Part A instead.
How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program?
Contact your state Medicaid agency, and call your SHIP for free help. Gather income, resource, household, and Medicare information first. In Connecticut, apply at connect.ct.gov or call CHOICES at 1-800-994-9422.
