Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Savings Programs are administered by state Medicaid agencies and can help pay certain Medicare costs for people who meet income and resource requirements. There are several programs, each with different eligibility limits and different types of help.
Applications are filed with the state agency, and the state makes the eligibility determination.
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program
The QMB program is generally the most comprehensive of the Medicare Savings Programs. For people who qualify, it can help with Medicare Part A and Part B premiums as well as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, subject to program rules.
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program
The SLMB program generally helps pay the Medicare Part B premium for people whose income falls within a defined range above the QMB limits.
Qualifying Individual (QI) program
The QI program also helps pay the Part B premium for people within a higher income range. Funding is limited and applications are typically approved on a first-come, first-served basis, and you generally must reapply each year.
Extra Help for Part D
Extra Help, also called the Low-Income Subsidy, assists with Part D premiums, deductibles, and prescription cost sharing for people who qualify. The Social Security Administration determines eligibility.
People who qualify for certain other assistance may be enrolled in Extra Help automatically, but many people need to apply.
State Medicaid agencies
Your state Medicaid agency handles Medicare Savings Program applications and can explain the specific limits that apply in your state. Some states use different names for these programs or apply different rules about counted resources.
Social Security application resources
The Social Security Administration accepts Extra Help applications online, by phone, and in person. There is no fee to apply, and you never need to pay anyone to submit an application on your behalf.
Income and resource requirements
Each program uses income and resource limits that are updated periodically, and what counts toward those limits is defined by program rules. Some income and assets are excluded.
Because the figures change and vary by state, we do not publish specific limits here. Confirm current requirements with the applicable agency before assuming you do or do not qualify.
What Insurance Allies can and cannot do
- Insurance Allies does not determine eligibility for any government program.
- Eligibility requirements change and may vary by state.
- You should confirm information directly with the applicable government agency.
- A licensed insurance agent can provide general guidance and point you to the right agency, but cannot guarantee eligibility, approval, or any specific outcome.
Where to get authoritative information
- Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- The Social Security Administration for Extra Help
- Your state Medicaid agency for Medicare Savings Programs
- Your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free counseling
Frequently asked questions
- Can Insurance Allies tell me if I qualify?
- No. Eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help is determined by government agencies. An agent can explain the programs generally and direct you to the right place to apply.
- Does it cost anything to apply?
- No. Applications for these programs are free, and you do not need to pay anyone to file one for you.
- Do the income limits change?
- Yes. Limits are updated periodically and can differ by state, so confirm current figures with the applicable agency.
Talk through your Medicare options
Answer a few questions and a licensed insurance agent can help you review the Medicare options available where you live. There is no obligation to enroll.
By calling or submitting a form, you may be connected with a licensed insurance agent.
