Virginia Medicare Savings Program (MSP) 2026: Income Limits and Rules

The Commonwealth of Virginia provides financial relief to low-income Medicare beneficiaries through programs managed by the Department of Medical Assistance Services. Known locally as Medicare Premium Assistance, these programs pay monthly Part B premiums and, for QMB enrollees, eliminate out-of-pocket charges at doctors and hospitals across the state.

Virginia MSP income standards for 2026

Virginia applies the federal baseline income limits calculated from the Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Monthly income limit of $1,350 for an individual or $1,824 for a couple. Virginia covers Part A premiums if owed, Part B premiums, and all Medicare deductibles and coinsurance.
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Monthly income limit of $1,616 for an individual or $2,184 for a couple. Covers the monthly Part B premium.
• Qualifying Individual (QI): Monthly income limit of $1,816 for an individual or $2,455 for a couple. Covers the monthly Part B premium on a first-come allocation schedule.

Resource limits and asset tests in Virginia

Unlike some northern states, Virginia enforces a resource test for Medicare Savings Programs. In 2026, countable resources cannot exceed $9,950 for an individual or $14,910 for a married couple. Countable assets include checking accounts, savings, stocks, mutual funds, and second properties. Your primary home, one motor vehicle, personal effects, and designated burial plots do not count toward this limit.

The $20 unearned income disregard

Virginia applies the federal $20 general income disregard to all applicants. Caseworkers subtract $20 from your gross monthly unearned income, such as Social Security retirement benefits or pensions, before comparing your funds to the monthly cutoff.

Steps to apply in Virginia

1. Gather your financial paperwork, including recent bank statements, monthly pension letters, Social Security benefit awards, and health insurance cards.
2. Submit an online application through the Commonwealth portal at CommonHelp Virginia or call Cover Virginia.
3. If preferred, submit a paper Medicaid application form to your local city or county Department of Social Services.
4. Use the free MSP qualification tool to test your eligibility against Virginia standards before filing.

To understand which items count toward Virginia asset limits, read our detailed guide on Medicare Savings Program asset tests and review Virginia DMAS resources.

Frequently asked questions