Massachusetts Medicare Savings Program 2026: MassHealth Buy-In Guide
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · Founder & Editor
Massachusetts administers Medicare Savings Programs through its MassHealth Buy-In initiative. The state expanded eligibility guidelines beyond federal levels, allowing Medicare beneficiaries with higher incomes to receive state help with premiums and medical out-of-pocket expenses without passing an asset test.
MassHealth Buy-In income guidelines for 2026
Massachusetts sets its Buy-In limits at elevated percentages of the federal poverty line, giving older residents and adults with disabilities broad access to relief:
- MassHealth Senior Buy-In (QMB): Monthly income up to $2,547 for an individual or $3,447 for a married couple. MassHealth pays Medicare Part A premiums, Part B premiums, hospital deductibles, and outpatient coinsurance.
- MassHealth Buy-In (SLMB): Monthly income up to $2,813 for an individual or $3,807 for a married couple. The state pays your monthly Medicare Part B premium directly to the federal government.
- MassHealth Buy-In for Qualifying Individuals (QI): Monthly income up to $3,013 for an individual or $4,078 for a married couple. Covers the full Part B premium subject to available annual federal funding.
Zero asset verification in Massachusetts
Massachusetts does not examine financial assets when evaluating MassHealth Buy-In applications. State caseworkers do not count savings accounts, stocks, mutual funds, personal belongings, or real estate equity. Your qualification depends entirely on monthly cash income.
Prescription drug subsidies and Health Safety Net
Enrollment in MassHealth Senior Buy-In or Buy-In unlocks full federal Extra Help subsidies for Part D prescription coverage. In addition, lower-income residents in Massachusetts may gain access to the Health Safety Net, which pays for certain medically necessary hospital and community health center services not covered by Medicare.
How to apply for MassHealth Buy-In
- Complete the MassHealth Application for Health Coverage for Seniors and People Needing Long-Term-Care Services, known as Form SACA-2.
- Attach proof of monthly income, including your Social Security monthly statement, pension verification stubs, and any annuity statements.
- Submit documents through the MassHealth enrollment portal or mail them to the MassHealth Enrollment Center in Charlestown.
- Check your potential benefit tier in advance with our online eligibility screener.
For additional context on how state buy-in initiatives protect your retirement budget, explore our overview of Medicare Part B premium assistance and review official MassHealth Buy-In details.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MassHealth check bank accounts for the Medicare Buy-In?
No. Massachusetts eliminated the asset test for all MassHealth Buy-In programs. You can have money in savings, checking, or retirement accounts and still qualify.
What is the difference between Senior Buy-In and standard Buy-In in Massachusetts?
Senior Buy-In corresponds to the federal QMB tier, covering Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Standard Buy-In corresponds to SLMB and QI, covering only the monthly Part B premium.
Can married couples apply together if only one spouse has Medicare?
Yes. MassHealth reviews household income and counts the non-applicant spouse in family size calculations while applying appropriate income disregard standards.
Does MassHealth Buy-In cover prescription drugs?
MassHealth Buy-In connects you to federal Extra Help, which subsidizes Medicare Part D drug plans and limits copayments to low statutory caps.
Your next steps
Check if you qualify for Medicare Savings
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