Medicare Savings Programs: Help for Low-Income Seniors

Are You Paying More for Medicare Than You Should?

Nearly 12 million seniors qualify for Medicare Savings Programs, yet millions never apply. Medicare Savings Programs for low-income seniors can pay your Medicare Part B premium (currently $185 per month in 2025), and some even cover deductibles and copays — potentially over $2,200 a year back in your pocket.

What Are Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)?

There are four types of Medicare Savings Programs:

1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program — Pays your Part A premiums, Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program — Pays your Part B premium only.
3. Qualifying Individual (QI) Program — Also pays your Part B premium. First-come, first-served.
4. Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program — Pays the Part A premium for people under 65 who are working with a disability.

Do You Qualify? 2025 Income and Asset Limits

Monthly Income Limits

• QMB: Up to $1,255/month individual, $1,704/month couple
• SLMB: Up to $1,506/month individual, $2,045/month couple
• QI: Up to $1,695/month individual, $2,301/month couple

Resource Limits

• Individuals: $9,430 in countable resources
• Married couples: $14,130 in countable resources

Many states have eliminated the resource test entirely. What does NOT count as a resource: your home, one vehicle, burial plots, furniture and personal belongings.

How to Apply

1. Contact your state Medicaid office — call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
2. Gather your documents — proof of identity, Medicare card, proof of income, bank statements.
3. Complete the application — most states allow paper, online, or phone applications.
4. Get free help — call 1-877-839-2675 for your local SHIP counselor.

Extra Benefits You Might Not Know About

Qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program automatically qualifies you for Extra Help with prescription drug costs — saving an average of $5,300 per year. QMB members are legally protected from provider billing for deductibles and copays.

Common Myths That Stop Seniors from Applying

Myth 1: “I own my home, so I won’t qualify.” Your home is not counted as a resource.

Myth 2: “I have too much in savings.” Many states have eliminated resource tests entirely.

Myth 3: “Applying will affect my other benefits.” MSPs only add benefits — they never take anything away.

Myth 4: “This is welfare, and I don’t want a handout.” You paid into Medicare your entire working life. MSPs ensure you can use the benefits you earned.