Medicare Savings Programs (QMB / SLMB / QI)

Administered by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) / State Medicaid agencies · medicare.gov

Three programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) that pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays for low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Enrollment also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help on drug costs. Millions eligible never apply.

Eligibility requirements

✓Enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B
✓Income below 135% FPL ($2,015/month individual in 2026)
✓Assets below $9,950 individual / $14,910 couple (some states have no asset limit)

Insider tip

Apply for a Medicare Savings Program even if you think you won't qualify — some states have higher income limits than the federal minimums. QMB enrollment means Medicare providers cannot bill you any out-of-pocket costs. Combined with Extra Help, this can save $3,000+ per year.

How to apply

Apply directly on the official website. GrantLantern does not process applications — we link you directly to the source.

Apply at medicare.gov →

Opens the official source. GrantLantern is not affiliated with this program.

Program details sourced from official government and agency websites. Eligibility is determined by the administering agency — not GrantLantern. Verify current requirements at the official source before applying.

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