Medicare Part B costs $202.90 a month in 2026. That is $2,434.80 a year, and it comes straight out of your Social Security check. If your income is modest, your state may be able to pay that premium for you through a Medicare Savings Program. Many people who qualify never apply.
What the Medicare Savings Programs Pay For
There are three main programs. Your state runs them and decides which one fits you.
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): pays Part B premiums, plus deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. It also covers Part A premiums if you pay them.
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): pays your Part B premium only.
- QI (Qualifying Individual): pays your Part B premium only, with slightly higher income limits.
People enrolled in any of these also get Extra Help with prescription drug costs, with copays capped at $12.65 per drug in 2026.
2026 Income and Resource Limits
| Program | Monthly income (single / couple) | Resources (single / couple) |
|---|---|---|
| QMB | $1,350 / $1,824 | $9,950 / $14,910 |
| SLMB | $1,616 / $2,184 | $9,950 / $14,910 |
| QI | $1,816 / $2,455 | $9,950 / $14,910 |
Alaska and Hawaii have slightly higher income limits. Some states ignore certain income or assets, so you may qualify even if you are above these federal numbers.
A Quick Savings Example
Say you are single, 68, and get $1,700 a month from Social Security, with $6,000 in savings. You are over the QMB and SLMB income limits but under the QI limit of $1,816, and under the $9,950 resource limit.
- Part B premium: $202.90 a month
- Paid by QI: $202.90 × 12 = $2,434.80 a year
- Your Social Security check goes up by $202.90 each month
That is a raise of nearly 12 percent on $1,700, without changing anything else.
Which Program Might Fit You?
- Income at or under $1,350 (single): ask for QMB. It covers the most.
- Income from $1,351 to $1,616: SLMB.
- Income from $1,617 to $1,816: QI.
- Income above that: still apply if you work or have unusual expenses, because your state may count less of your income.
Retirement account withdrawals and the full amount of Social Security count as income. If you still work, only about half your wages count.
How to Apply
- Gather your Medicare card, Social Security award letter, and recent bank and retirement account statements.
- Contact your state Medicaid agency or the office that handles Medicare Savings Programs. Medicare.gov links to the contact page for every state.
- Say you want to apply for a Medicare Savings Program. You do not have to apply for full Medicaid.
- Free help is available from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor.
Things to Watch For
- QI must be renewed every year, and approval is first-come, first-served, with priority to people who had it the year before. Apply early in the year.
- QI is not available to people who qualify for Medicaid.
- Rules and paperwork differ by state, so ask your state which program you are placed in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be on Medicaid to get this?
No. The programs are separate, and QI is only for people who are not eligible for other Medicaid coverage.
Is there a deadline to apply?
No fixed deadline for QMB and SLMB, but benefits generally do not start until your application is approved, so apply as soon as you think you qualify.
Will it affect my other benefits?
Ask your state or SHIP counselor if you have questions about your specific situation.