Wisconsin Medicare Savings Program (MSP) 2026: ForwardHealth Limits

Wisconsin administers Medicare Savings Programs through the Department of Health Services under the ForwardHealth umbrella. In Wisconsin, the state uses the designation SLMB+ for the federal Qualifying Individual tier. These programs pay monthly Part B premiums and, for QMB enrollees, eliminate out-of-pocket medical bills from Medicare providers.

ForwardHealth MSP income thresholds for 2026

Wisconsin assesses applicants using federal poverty guideline percentages:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Monthly income ceiling of $1,350 for an individual or $1,824 for a couple. Covers Medicare Part A premiums if owed, Part B premiums, annual deductibles, and 20% outpatient coinsurance.
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Monthly income ceiling of $1,616 for an individual or $2,184 for a couple. ForwardHealth covers the monthly Medicare Part B premium.
• SLMB Plus (SLMB+ / QI): Monthly income ceiling of $1,816 for an individual or $2,455 for a couple. Pays the full Part B premium through federal block grant funding.

Resource limits and countable assets in Wisconsin

Wisconsin enforces federal resource standards for its Medicare Premium Assistance programs. Countable assets cannot exceed $9,950 for an individual or $14,910 for a married couple. Liquid assets such as savings accounts, checking funds, certificates of deposit, and secondary real estate count toward the limit. ForwardHealth exempts your primary home, one automobile, personal furnishings, and designated burial spaces.

The $20 unearned income deduction

Wisconsin caseworkers apply a standard $20 unearned income disregard to applicant households. The state subtracts $20 from your gross monthly unearned income, such as Social Security retirement benefits or private pensions, before comparing your income to the tier limit.

How to apply in Wisconsin

1. Collect verification documents, including recent Social Security award letters, pension records, and bank account summaries.
2. Submit an online application through the state portal at ACCESS Wisconsin.
3. Or apply by phone or mail through your local county or tribal consortium income maintenance agency.
4. Evaluate your qualification tier using our free MSP calculator.

To learn more about the rules governing the third tier, read our guide on the QI and SLMB+ program and review ForwardHealth Medicaid documentation.

Frequently asked questions