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What's your situation right now?
Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help can save you thousands per year. Let me help you find the right path based on your current situation.
Program overview
5 Programs That Could Save You Thousands
Here's what's available. These programs work together — you might qualify for more than one.
| Program | What It Pays | 2026 Income Limits (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) Qualified Medicare Beneficiary |
Part A premium, Part B premium ($202.90/mo), deductibles, copays | ~$1,275/mo single ~$1,724/mo couple |
| SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) Specified Low-Income Beneficiary |
Part B premium ($202.90/mo) | ~$1,528/mo single ~$2,064/mo couple |
| QI Qualifying Individual |
Part B premium ($202.90/mo) | ~$1,715/mo single ~$2,320/mo couple |
| QDWI Qualified Disabled Working Individual |
Part A premium (for working disabled) | Higher limits if working |
| Extra Help/LIS Low-Income Subsidy |
Part D premiums, deductibles, copays | ~$1,903/mo single ~$2,575/mo couple |
Dr. Ed's Insider Tip
Millions of eligible people never apply for these programs. SSA estimates over 2 million people are missing out on Extra Help alone. If you're anywhere close to these income limits, it's worth applying.
The Gold Standard
QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): The Best Medicare Savings Program
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Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) is the most comprehensive help available. If you qualify, you get almost everything paid for.
QMB Pays For:
Part A premiums • Part B premium ($202.90/month) • Part A & B deductibles • All copays and coinsurance
2026 QMB Income Limits (approximate)
- Single person: ~$1,275 per month
- Married couple: ~$1,724 per month
- Resource limits: $9,430 individual / $14,130 couple
Dr. Ed's Insider Secret
QMB is the gold standard — it pays almost everything. And here's the secret: doctors and hospitals CANNOT bill QMB recipients for copays or deductibles. It's federal law. If a provider tries to bill you, remind them you're QMB-eligible and they must accept Medicare's payment as full payment.
Premium Help
SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
If your income is too high for QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) but you still need help with Medicare premiums, SLMB might be perfect for you.
SLMB Pays For:
Part B premium ($202.90 per month) — that's $2,435 per year in savings
2026 SLMB Income Limits (approximate)
- Single person: ~$1,528 per month
- Married couple: ~$2,064 per month
- Resource limits: Same as QMB ($9,430/$14,130)
| QMB vs SLMB | QMB | SLMB |
|---|---|---|
| Part B Premium | ✅ Paid | ✅ Paid |
| Deductibles | ✅ Paid | ❌ You pay |
| Copays/Coinsurance | ✅ Paid | ❌ You pay |
| Income Range (single) | Up to ~$1,275/mo | ~$1,275-$1,528/mo |
Dr. Ed's Insider Tip
SLMB recipients also get automatic Extra Help for prescription drug costs. That's another $5,000+ in potential savings per year — and you don't need to apply separately.
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Limited funding
QI: Qualifying Individual Program
QI has higher income limits than SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary), but there's a catch — it's first-come, first-served with limited funding each year.
QI Pays For:
Part B premium ($202.90 per month) — but funding runs out each year
2026 QI Income Limits (approximate)
- Single person: ~$1,715 per month
- Married couple: ~$2,320 per month
- Resource limits: Same as QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary)/SLMB
Important: QI funding is limited by federal appropriations. States typically run out of QI funding partway through the year. Apply early in the calendar year for the best chance.
1
January-March
Best time to apply — full funding available
2
April-June
Funding still available in most states
3
July-September
Many states start running low on funds
4
October-December
Most states have exhausted QI funding
Dr. Ed's Strategy
If you might qualify for QI, apply in January. Even if you get denied for QMB or SLMB, your application automatically gets considered for QI. Don't wait — once the money's gone, it's gone until next year.
Prescription Drug Help
Extra Help: Low Income Subsidy (LIS)
Extra Help can save you $5,000+ per year on prescription drug costs. It's completely separate from the Medicare Savings Programs.
Extra Help Pays For:
Part D premiums • Part D deductibles • Reduced copays ($1.55-$4.50 for most drugs)
2026 Extra Help Income Limits (approximate)
- Single person: ~$1,903 per month
- Married couple: ~$2,575 per month
- Resource limits: $17,220 individual / $34,360 couple
| Without Extra Help | With Extra Help | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Part D Premium: ~$600/year | $0 premium | $600 |
| Part D Deductible: $590 | $0 deductible | $590 |
| Brand name drugs: 25% of cost | $4.50 per prescription | $4,000+ |
| Generic drugs: 25% of cost | $1.55 per prescription | $1,000+ |
Dr. Ed's Insider Tip
Extra Help can save you $5,000+ per year on prescription drugs. If you're anywhere close to the income limits, apply. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at your local SSA office. The application is simple and worth thousands.
Quick screening
Which Program Might You Qualify For?
Enter your monthly income and household size for a quick estimate. This is just a screening — you'll need to apply officially.
Remember: These are approximate 2026 income limits. Your state may have higher limits, and there are income exclusions that could help you qualify even if you're over the limit.
Application process
How to Apply for These Programs
Different programs, different applications. Here's where to apply for each one.
Dr. Ed's Pro Tip
Apply for both! You can apply for Medicare Savings Programs through your state AND Extra Help through Social Security at the same time. They don't affect each other, and you might qualify for multiple programs.
Good news: If you get approved for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you automatically get Extra Help too. No separate application needed.
What to expect
Application Timeline & Process
Here's what happens after you apply and how long each step typically takes.
📝
Application Submitted
You've submitted your Medicare Savings Program or Extra Help application
📋
Review Period (2-6 weeks)
Agency reviews your application and may request additional documentation
✉️
Decision Letter (45-90 days)
You'll receive approval or denial letter. If approved, benefits start retroactive to application date
✅
Benefits Begin
Medicare Savings Programs: Usually next month after approval
Extra Help: Can be retroactive up to 3 months
If you're denied: You have appeal rights. Many denials are due to missing documentation or calculation errors. Don't give up — get help with your appeal.
Dr. Ed's Insider Advice
Keep paying your premiums while you wait. If approved, you'll get refunded for any premiums paid during the application process. Don't let your Medicare lapse while waiting for a decision.
Important details
What Counts as Income & Resources?
Understanding what counts (and what doesn't) can make the difference between qualifying and not qualifying.
Dr. Ed's Pro Tip
Your state may have higher income limits than the federal minimums. Always check with your state Medicaid office. Some states have expanded eligibility with more generous income limits or resource exclusions.
Final questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Last-minute questions answered, plus resources to get you started.