Medicare Savings Program Income Limits 2026: QMB, SLMB, and QI Explained

The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) can cover your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays — saving eligible beneficiaries up to $6,870 in 2026. Yet fewer than half of the people who qualify are actually enrolled. The income rules look complicated at first glance, but the core test is simpler than it appears, and the mandatory SSA disregards work in your favor.

This guide covers the exact 2026 income thresholds for all three MSP tiers, explains how Social Security income is counted before it reaches those thresholds (most articles get this wrong), and identifies the states where there is no asset test at all.

What Each MSP Tier Covers

There are three tiers, stacked by income. Each covers a different set of Medicare costs, and qualifying for any tier also unlocks access to Medicare's Part D Low Income Subsidy — reducing prescription drug costs significantly.

QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary

QMB is the most comprehensive tier. It pays your Medicare Part A premium (if you owe one), your Part B premium of $202.90 per month, all Part A and Part B deductibles, and cost-sharing such as coinsurance and copays. You also automatically qualify for full Extra Help on Part D prescription costs. In 2026, QMB benefits are worth up to $6,870 per year: the Part B premium savings of $2,434.80, Part A deductible coverage worth up to $2,179, the Part B deductible of $257, estimated coinsurance savings of $1,200, and $800 in Part D Extra Help.

SLMB — Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary

SLMB covers your Medicare Part B premium — $202.90 per month in 2026, or $2,434.80 per year. Like QMB, it also qualifies you for the Part D Low Income Subsidy, adding approximately $800 in prescription savings for a total of roughly $3,235 annually.

QI — Qualifying Individual

QI also covers the Part B premium — the same $202.90 per month, saving you $2,434.80 per year. Unlike QMB and SLMB, QI enrollment is first-come, first-served each calendar year and must be renewed annually. Funding is capped by Congress, so applying early in January gives you the best chance of securing a spot.

2026 Income Limits by Tier

These thresholds apply to your countable monthly income — not your gross income. The SSA applies mandatory disregards (explained in the next section) before comparing your income to these numbers. Most states use the federal baseline amounts shown here; Alaska and Hawaii are exceptions, covered below.

QMB (2026): $1,350/month for individuals · $1,824/month for married couples

SLMB (2026): $1,616/month for individuals · $2,184/month for married couples

QI (2026): $1,820/month for individuals · $2,462/month for married couples

Notice how narrow the gap is between tiers. The difference between the SLMB upper limit and the QI upper limit is just $204 per month for a single person. If your income lands anywhere in that range, QI keeps your Part B premium paid — still worth $2,434 a year.

Plug your actual income into the free tool to see which tier you qualify for — Check My Eligibility.

How Social Security Income Is Actually Counted

This is where most online guides fall short, and where many beneficiaries incorrectly assume they earn too much to qualify. The SSA does not use your gross monthly Social Security payment as your countable income for MSP purposes. Federal law mandates a specific sequence of disregards that reduces your countable income before it is compared to the limits above.

The mandatory disregard sequence, applied in this exact order:

1. Apply the $20 general income disregard to unearned income first (Social Security, pensions, annuities).
2. If any of the $20 is unused, apply the remainder to earned income (wages).
3. Apply a separate $65 earned income disregard to wages.
4. Exclude 50% of the remaining earned income.

A concrete example: your monthly Social Security check is $1,370. Your gross income appears to exceed the QMB limit of $1,350 — but the $20 general disregard reduces your countable income to exactly $1,350. You qualify for QMB.

A second example with mixed income: $1,200/month in Social Security and $400/month in part-time wages. The $20 disregard is applied to Social Security first, leaving countable unearned income of $1,180. For wages, the $20 disregard is fully used, so apply the $65 earned disregard and then exclude 50% of the rest: ($400 − $65) × 0.50 = $167.50. Total countable income: $1,180 + $167.50 = $1,347.50 — under the $1,350 QMB limit.

Our eligibility tool runs this exact SSA calculation with your actual numbers — see your results in under two minutes.

Asset Limits in 2026 — and Which States Skip Them

Most states also apply an asset test. In 2026, the standard federal limits are $9,950 for an individual and $14,910 for a married couple. These count liquid and near-liquid assets — savings accounts, CDs, stocks, bonds, and most investment accounts.

Several categories are excluded from the asset count:

• Your primary home and the land it sits on
• One vehicle, regardless of value
• Household goods and personal effects
• Life insurance with a face value under $1,500
• Burial funds designated for funeral expenses, up to $1,500

Ten states have eliminated the asset test entirely for MSP eligibility. If you live in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington, only your income determines eligibility — no bank statements or asset documentation are required.

Our tool automatically applies your state's rules, including whether an asset test is in effect — check your eligibility now.

Alaska and Hawaii Have Higher Income Limits

Alaska applies a 1.25 cost-of-living multiplier to all MSP income limits. In 2026, the QMB income limit in Alaska is $1,688/month for individuals and $2,280/month for couples — about $338 and $456 above the standard federal limits respectively. SLMB in Alaska is $2,020/$2,730 and QI is $2,275/$3,078. Alaska's asset limits ($9,950/$14,910) remain the same as the federal baseline.

Hawaii applies a 1.15 multiplier, raising QMB to approximately $1,553/month for individuals and $2,098/month for couples. If you live in Hawaii and were told you earn too much for MSP, it is worth rechecking with the Hawaii-specific limits applied.

How to Apply for the Medicare Savings Program

You apply through your state Medicaid agency — not through Social Security or Medicare directly. Most states allow online, phone, or in-person applications at your county Medicaid or Department of Social Services office.

1. Gather your documents: Medicare card, proof of identity, recent bank statements, and proof of monthly income (Social Security award letter, pension statements, or recent pay stubs).
2. Find your state's Medicaid application portal. Our eligibility results page links directly to each state's online application after you complete the free check.
3. Submit your application. Most states process MSP applications within 45 days.
4. Renew annually if you receive QI. QMB and SLMB auto-renew in most states when your income remains stable.

Check your eligibility first so you know which tier to apply for before contacting your state agency — use the free eligibility wizard.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice. Income and asset limits are updated annually by CMS. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or a certified Medicare counselor for personalized guidance.