Medicare Savings Program Eligibility Calculator
Check if you qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI in 2026 and see how much these programs could save on your Medicare costs.
Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium and, for the most comprehensive tier (QMB), your deductibles and copays too. In 2026, federal income limits are $1,350/month (QMB), $1,616/month (SLMB), or $1,816/month (QI) for an individual, with higher limits for couples. Many states allow even higher incomes to qualify.
If you're managing Medicare costs on a limited income, a Medicare Savings Program could cover your Part B premium or more. There are three tiers, each covering different costs. Enter your income, household size, and assets below to see which tier you likely qualify for under 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 regardless of what this calculator shows — your state may qualify you even when the federal numbers don't.
The three Medicare Savings Program tiers form a ladder, each with a higher income limit than the one before, but less comprehensive coverage. QMB, the lowest income limit, is also the most valuable: it pays your Part B premium, your Part A premium if you don't already have it free, and every Medicare deductible, coinsurance, and copay. Providers legally cannot bill a QMB enrollee for any of that cost-sharing. SLMB and QI both cover only the Part B premium, currently $202.90 a month, but at higher income limits than QMB. QI has one more wrinkle: funding is limited and distributed first-come, first-served each year, so qualifying doesn't guarantee a spot if your state's funding runs out before you apply. All three programs check your assets too, though your home and one vehicle never count against that limit. If your income or assets are slightly over these federal numbers, don't assume you're out of luck. Many states set higher limits, and several have eliminated the asset test altogether, so it's worth applying regardless of what this calculator shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Medicare Savings Program?
A state-administered, Medicaid-funded program that helps pay Medicare costs for people with limited income and assets. There are three main tiers, QMB, SLMB, and QI, each covering different costs.
What's the difference between QMB, SLMB, and QI?
QMB is the most comprehensive, paying Medicare premiums plus all deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. SLMB and QI pay only the Part B premium. QMB has the lowest income limit; QI has the highest.
What is the income limit for QMB in 2026?
$1,350/month for an individual or $1,824/month for a couple, under 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 don't count. The 2026 federal limit is $9,950 for an individual or $14,910 for a couple, though many states have eliminated the asset test entirely.
Does qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program help with prescription drug costs too?
Yes. Qualifying for QMB, SLMB, or QI automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, which lowers your Part D prescription drug costs as well.
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 eliminated the asset test completely, so you may still qualify even if this calculator shows you're over the federal limit.
This calculator checks your information against federal minimum eligibility limits and does not constitute a determination of eligibility. Many states use higher income and asset limits, and some have eliminated the asset test entirely, so your actual state eligibility may differ from this estimate. For an official determination, apply through your state Medicaid agency.