Who Qualifies for a Medicare Savings Program?
- Medicare Savings Programs provide financial assistance to low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Learn about the income and resource limits required for eligibility.
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.
Learn More About Medicare
Join our email series to receive your free Medicare guide and the latest information about Medicare.
By clicking "Sign me up!" you are agreeing to receive emails from HelpAdvisor.com
Thanks for signing up!
Your free Medicare guide is on the way.
Make sure to check your spam folder if you don't see it.
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.