The three types are may have access to Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and may have access to Individual (QI)

Medicare Savings Programs help pay some of your Medicare costs — premiums, deductibles, and copayments — if your income and resources fall below certain limits. Each of the three programs covers different costs and has different income thresholds. Your state runs these programs, so the exact income limit and what each program pays varies where you live.

QMB (may have access to Medicare Beneficiary) is the most comprehensive. It pays your Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copayments. SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) pays only your Part B premium. QI (may have access to Individual) also pays your Part B premium but has a higher income limit than SLMB, though fewer states fund it fully. All three are run by your state Medicaid office, not Medicare itself.

Key Takeaways

  • QMB covers the most — your Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copayments — and has the lowest income limit of the three programs.
  • SLMB covers only your Part B premium and has a higher income limit than QMB, making it available to people who earn slightly more.
  • QI covers your Part B premium and has an even higher income limit, but not all states fund it, and some states have waiting lists.
  • You contact your state Medicaid office to learn the current income limits and to request information about these programs.
  • Income limits change each year and differ by state, so you may become newly may be able to access or lose coverage even if your situation hasn't changed.

may have access to Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) — the broadest coverage

QMB pays the most of the three programs. It covers your Part A premium (if you have to pay one), your Part B premium, your Part A deductible, your Part B deductible, and your copayments for Part A and Part B services. If you are enrolled in Part D (prescription drug coverage), QMB does not pay that premium, but it does pay your Part D copayments.

QMB has the lowest income limit. Your state sets the exact threshold, but it is typically around 135 percent of the federal poverty line. For 2024, that means a single person earning roughly $1,500 per month or less, though this varies by state and changes yearly. You must also have limited resources — usually $8,000 or less for a single person, $12,000 or less for a couple.

If you are approved for QMB, Medicare and Medicaid work together. When you go to the doctor, you show your Medicare card and your Medicaid card. The provider bills Medicare first, then Medicaid pays what Medicare doesn't cover, up to the limits QMB sets. You should not owe anything out of pocket for covered services.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) — Part B premium only

SLMB pays only your Part B premium. It does not cover deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. If you have already maxed out your QMB income limit but still need help, SLMB may be the next step. Your state sets the income threshold, but it is typically around 150 percent of the federal poverty line — higher than QMB but lower than QI.

The resource limits for SLMB are the same as QMB: roughly $8,000 for a single person, $12,000 for a couple. Even though SLMB covers less than QMB, it can still save you money if your Part B premium is your biggest expense. In 2024, the standard Part B premium is $174.70 per month, though some people pay more if they have higher income.

SLMB also works through Medicaid. When you are approved, your state Medicaid program pays your Part B premium directly to Medicare each month. You will still owe deductibles and copayments when you use services, but your premium is covered.

may have access to Individual (QI) — the highest income limit

QI covers only your Part B premium, the same as SLMB, but it has the highest income limit of the three. Your state sets the threshold, but it is typically around 175 percent of the federal poverty line. That means a single person earning roughly $2,000 per month or slightly more may may have access to for QI even if they do not may have access to for SLMB.

QI has no resource limit — only income matters. This makes it more accessible to people who have savings but a modest monthly income. However, not all states fund QI fully. Some states have waiting lists, and some do not offer it at all. You will need to contact your state Medicaid office to find out whether QI is available where you live and whether there is currently a waiting list.

Like SLMB, QI pays only your Part B premium. Your state Medicaid program sends the payment to Medicare each month. You will still owe deductibles and copayments for services.

How income and resource limits work

Each program has an income limit, and each state sets its own. The federal government provides a baseline, but states can go higher. This means the income limit in your state may be different from a neighboring state. Your state Medicaid office publishes the current limits each year, usually in January.

Income includes wages, Social Security, pensions, and some other sources. Unearned income like interest from savings counts too. Your state will ask you to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a Social Security statement to verify your income. If you are married, both spouses' income counts, even if only one of you is on Medicare.

Resources are things you own — savings accounts, stocks, real estate (except your home). The limits are the same for all three programs: about $8,000 for a single person, $12,000 for a couple. Your home and one car do not count toward the resource limit. If you are over the limit, you may still be able to spend down resources to become may be able to access, though the rules vary by state.

How to find out which program you might be in

Contact your state Medicaid office. You can find it by searching "[your state] Medicaid" online or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and asking for your state Medicaid office phone number. Have your Social Security number, income information, and resource information ready.

When you call, ask the Medicaid office three things: the current income limits for QMB, SLMB, and QI in your state; whether you might be may be able to access based on your income; and how to request information about the program. Some states let you request information by phone, some by mail, and some through an online portal.

If you are already on Medicaid, you may be automatically screened for these programs. If you are not on Medicaid, you can still request information about Medicare Savings Programs separately. You do not have to be on Medicaid to use QMB, SLMB, or QI.

What happens if your income or resources change

Income limits change every year, usually in January. You may become newly may be able to access even if your situation has not changed, because the limit went up. You may also lose coverage if the limit went down or if your income increased. Your state will send you a notice if your coverage changes, but it is worth checking in each year to confirm your status.

If your income or resources change during the year — you get a raise, you receive an inheritance, you lose a job — tell your state Medicaid office. Some changes may affect your coverage when ready. If you become ineligible for one program, you may still may have access to for another. For example, if your income rises above the QMB limit, you might still may have access to for SLMB or QI.

Keep records of your income and resources. If you are asked to verify your situation, you will need recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or a Social Security statement. Having these on hand makes the process faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be on both Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid at the same time?

Yes. In fact, if you are on Medicaid already, you may be automatically screened for Medicare Savings Programs. The programs work together — Medicaid pays the costs that Medicare does not cover. You will have both a Medicare card and a Medicaid card, and you show both when you go to the doctor.

What if I do not may have access to for any of the three programs?

If your income is above all three limits, you may still have other options. Some pharmaceutical companies offer patient information programs for prescriptions. Some hospitals have financial information programs. Your state may have other low-income health programs. Contact your state Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about programs you might be in.

Do I have to reapply every year?

It depends on your state. Some states require annual renewal, some do not. Your state Medicaid office will send you a notice if renewal is required. Even if renewal is not required, it is a good idea to check in each year, because income limits change and you may become newly may be able to access for a different program.

If I am approved for QMB, do I still have to pay anything at the doctor?

You should not owe anything for covered Medicare services if you are approved for QMB and you show both your Medicare and Medicaid cards. However, if you see an out-of-network provider or use a service Medicare does not cover, you may owe money. Always ask your provider whether they accept Medicare and Medicaid before your visit.

Can I explore for these programs online?

Some states let you request information or explore online through their Medicaid portal. Others require you to call or mail in a form. Contact your state Medicaid office to find out how to request information in your state. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask them to connect you with your state office.