Medicare Savings Program Income Limits 2026 by Program
There are three main programs, each with a monthly income limit. The resource limit is the same for all three: $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple. (Medicare.gov: Medicare Savings Programs)
| Program | Single (monthly) | Couple (monthly) | Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | $1,350 | $1,824 | Part A & B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance |
| SLMB | $1,616 | $2,184 | Part B premium |
| QI | $1,816 | $2,455 | Part B premium |
These are federal minimums. Many states use higher income limits or don't count assets at all, and Alaska and Hawaii limits are higher.
QMB Income Limits 2026: $1,350 a Month for One Person
QMB covers people with income up to about the federal poverty level — $15,960 a year for one person in 2026 — plus a $20 disregard, which is how the monthly limit comes out at $1,350. (HHS 2026 poverty guidelines)
What QMB does for you:
- Pays your Part A (if any) and Part B premiums
- Pays Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays
- Bars doctors and hospitals from billing you for Medicare cost-sharing
- Qualifies you for Extra Help with drug costs automatically
Where to apply
Apply through your state Medicaid office, not Social Security. Bring proof of income, bank statements and your Medicare card. If you also get SSI, you may already be enrolled — see SSI and Social Security.
Our take: if you're near these numbers, apply
A Medicare Savings Program is worth at least twelve months of Part B premiums a year, plus a lot more with QMB. The limits look strict, but states exclude some income before comparing and several are more generous than the federal floor. Then see what's left to pay on the Medicare premium calculator.