Who Qualifies for a Medicare Savings Program?

A Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is a federally funded program that is administered by each individual state and are designed to assist low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Medicare premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. 

A qualifying individual must meet certain income and resource limits that determine who is eligible for a Medicare Savings Program. There are four types of Medicare Savings Programs, and each has its own income limit.

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Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program 

One type of Medicare Savings Program is the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program, or QMB. The Medicare QMB helps pay for Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance copayments. 

The income limit for QMB in 2023 is:

• Individuals
  Monthly income or no more than $1,235 and financial resources valued at no more than $9,090.
  
  
• Married couples
  Monthly income of no more than $1,663 and resources valued at no more than $13,630.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program

The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program helps pay for Medicare Part B premiums only. The 2023 SLMB income limits are:

• Individuals
  Monthly income of no more than $1,478 and resources valued at no more than $9,090.
  
  
• Married couples
  Income of no more than $1,992 and resources valued at no more than $13,630.

Qualifying Individual (QI) Program

The Qualifying Individual (QI) Program helps a qualifying individual pay Medicare Part B premiums, and it comes with the following income and resource limits in 2023:

• Individuals
  Monthly income of no more than $1,660 and resources valued at no more than $9,090.
  
  
• Married couples
  Income of no more than $2,239 and resources valued at no more than $13,630.

Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program

The Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program helps beneficiaries pay for their Medicare Part A premium. The 2023 QDWI income and resource limits are:

• Individuals
  Monthly income of no more than $4,945 and resources valued at no more than $4,000.
  
  
• Married couples
  Income of no more than $6,659 and resources valued at no more than $6,000.

What Counts As a Financial Resource?

The resources used to determine eligibility for a Medicare Savings Program include money in a checking or savings account, stocks and bonds. 

The following assets are not included:

• Your home
• One car
• A burial plot
• Up to $1,500 for burial expenses
• Furniture
• Other household and personal items

You must also meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for a Medicare Savings Program: 

• You must reside in a U.S. state or the District of Columbia
• You must be 65 or older or have a qualifying disability
• You have or are eligible for Medicare Part A

You may contact your state Medicaid program to see if you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program and for help enrolling.