Medicare Ratings Guide

Author: Dr. Patricia Chen

  • Medicare Savings Programs in Texas 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Texas: 2026 Income Limits

    Program Individual Limit Couple Limit Benefit
    QMB $1,255/month $1,704/month Pays all Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays
    SLMB $1,478/month $1,992/month Pays Part B premium ($185/month)
    QI $1,660/month $2,239/month Pays Part B premium (limited slots)
    QDWI $4,945/month $6,659/month Pays Part A premium for working disabled

    What Are Medicare Savings Programs?

    Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs funded jointly by the state and federal government that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Medicare costs. In Texas, there are four MSPs available, each with different income limits and benefits. Qualifying for an MSP also automatically qualifies you for the Extra Help program (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D prescription drug costs.

    QMB Program in Texas

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In Texas, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,255 (couples: $1,704) may qualify. QMB pays your Part A premium (if applicable), Part B premium ($185/month in 2026), Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period), Part B deductible ($240/year), and all Medicare copays and coinsurance. Providers are prohibited from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing.

    SLMB Program in Texas

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In Texas, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,478 (couples: $1,992) may qualify. SLMB saves you $2,220/year on Part B premiums alone.

    QI Program in Texas

    The Qualifying Individual (QI) program also pays the Part B premium but has limited funding — slots are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each year. In Texas, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,660 (couples: $2,239) may apply. Apply early in the year to secure a slot.

    How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Texas

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Texas, contact your state Medicaid office or local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of income (Social Security award letter, tax return, pay stubs), proof of assets (bank statements), Medicare card, and proof of residency in Texas. Applications are processed by Texas’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Texas

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Texas automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, which reduces Part D prescription drug costs to nominal copays ($4.90 for generics, $12.15 for brand-name drugs in 2026) and eliminates the Part D late enrollment penalty. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year for beneficiaries with multiple prescriptions.

  • Medicare Savings Programs in Tennessee 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Tennessee: 2026 Income Limits

    Program Individual Limit Couple Limit Benefit
    QMB $1,255/month $1,704/month Pays all Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays
    SLMB $1,478/month $1,992/month Pays Part B premium ($185/month)
    QI $1,660/month $2,239/month Pays Part B premium (limited slots)
    QDWI $4,945/month $6,659/month Pays Part A premium for working disabled

    What Are Medicare Savings Programs?

    Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs funded jointly by the state and federal government that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Medicare costs. In Tennessee, there are four MSPs available, each with different income limits and benefits. Qualifying for an MSP also automatically qualifies you for the Extra Help program (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D prescription drug costs.

    QMB Program in Tennessee

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In Tennessee, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,255 (couples: $1,704) may qualify. QMB pays your Part A premium (if applicable), Part B premium ($185/month in 2026), Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period), Part B deductible ($240/year), and all Medicare copays and coinsurance. Providers are prohibited from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing.

    SLMB Program in Tennessee

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In Tennessee, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,478 (couples: $1,992) may qualify. SLMB saves you $2,220/year on Part B premiums alone.

    QI Program in Tennessee

    The Qualifying Individual (QI) program also pays the Part B premium but has limited funding — slots are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each year. In Tennessee, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,660 (couples: $2,239) may apply. Apply early in the year to secure a slot.

    How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Tennessee

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Tennessee, contact your state Medicaid office or local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of income (Social Security award letter, tax return, pay stubs), proof of assets (bank statements), Medicare card, and proof of residency in Tennessee. Applications are processed by Tennessee’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Tennessee

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Tennessee automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, which reduces Part D prescription drug costs to nominal copays ($4.90 for generics, $12.15 for brand-name drugs in 2026) and eliminates the Part D late enrollment penalty. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year for beneficiaries with multiple prescriptions.

  • Medicare Savings Programs in South Dakota 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in South Dakota: 2026 Income Limits

    Program Individual Limit Couple Limit Benefit
    QMB $1,255/month $1,704/month Pays all Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays
    SLMB $1,478/month $1,992/month Pays Part B premium ($185/month)
    QI $1,660/month $2,239/month Pays Part B premium (limited slots)
    QDWI $4,945/month $6,659/month Pays Part A premium for working disabled

    What Are Medicare Savings Programs?

    Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs funded jointly by the state and federal government that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Medicare costs. In South Dakota, there are four MSPs available, each with different income limits and benefits. Qualifying for an MSP also automatically qualifies you for the Extra Help program (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D prescription drug costs.

    QMB Program in South Dakota

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In South Dakota, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,255 (couples: $1,704) may qualify. QMB pays your Part A premium (if applicable), Part B premium ($185/month in 2026), Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period), Part B deductible ($240/year), and all Medicare copays and coinsurance. Providers are prohibited from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing.

    SLMB Program in South Dakota

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In South Dakota, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,478 (couples: $1,992) may qualify. SLMB saves you $2,220/year on Part B premiums alone.

    QI Program in South Dakota

    The Qualifying Individual (QI) program also pays the Part B premium but has limited funding — slots are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each year. In South Dakota, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,660 (couples: $2,239) may apply. Apply early in the year to secure a slot.

    How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in South Dakota

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in South Dakota, contact your state Medicaid office or local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of income (Social Security award letter, tax return, pay stubs), proof of assets (bank statements), Medicare card, and proof of residency in South Dakota. Applications are processed by South Dakota’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in South Dakota

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in South Dakota automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, which reduces Part D prescription drug costs to nominal copays ($4.90 for generics, $12.15 for brand-name drugs in 2026) and eliminates the Part D late enrollment penalty. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year for beneficiaries with multiple prescriptions.

  • Medicare Savings Programs in South Carolina 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in South Carolina: 2026 Income Limits

    Program Individual Limit Couple Limit Benefit
    QMB $1,255/month $1,704/month Pays all Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays
    SLMB $1,478/month $1,992/month Pays Part B premium ($185/month)
    QI $1,660/month $2,239/month Pays Part B premium (limited slots)
    QDWI $4,945/month $6,659/month Pays Part A premium for working disabled

    What Are Medicare Savings Programs?

    Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs funded jointly by the state and federal government that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Medicare costs. In South Carolina, there are four MSPs available, each with different income limits and benefits. Qualifying for an MSP also automatically qualifies you for the Extra Help program (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D prescription drug costs.

    QMB Program in South Carolina

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In South Carolina, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,255 (couples: $1,704) may qualify. QMB pays your Part A premium (if applicable), Part B premium ($185/month in 2026), Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period), Part B deductible ($240/year), and all Medicare copays and coinsurance. Providers are prohibited from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing.

    SLMB Program in South Carolina

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In South Carolina, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,478 (couples: $1,992) may qualify. SLMB saves you $2,220/year on Part B premiums alone.

    QI Program in South Carolina

    The Qualifying Individual (QI) program also pays the Part B premium but has limited funding — slots are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each year. In South Carolina, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,660 (couples: $2,239) may apply. Apply early in the year to secure a slot.

    How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in South Carolina

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in South Carolina, contact your state Medicaid office or local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of income (Social Security award letter, tax return, pay stubs), proof of assets (bank statements), Medicare card, and proof of residency in South Carolina. Applications are processed by South Carolina’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in South Carolina

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in South Carolina automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, which reduces Part D prescription drug costs to nominal copays ($4.90 for generics, $12.15 for brand-name drugs in 2026) and eliminates the Part D late enrollment penalty. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year for beneficiaries with multiple prescriptions.

  • Medicare Savings Programs in Rhode Island 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Rhode Island: 2026 Income Limits

    Program Individual Limit Couple Limit Benefit
    QMB $1,255/month $1,704/month Pays all Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays
    SLMB $1,478/month $1,992/month Pays Part B premium ($185/month)
    QI $1,660/month $2,239/month Pays Part B premium (limited slots)
    QDWI $4,945/month $6,659/month Pays Part A premium for working disabled

    What Are Medicare Savings Programs?

    Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs funded jointly by the state and federal government that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Medicare costs. In Rhode Island, there are four MSPs available, each with different income limits and benefits. Qualifying for an MSP also automatically qualifies you for the Extra Help program (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D prescription drug costs.

    QMB Program in Rhode Island

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In Rhode Island, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,255 (couples: $1,704) may qualify. QMB pays your Part A premium (if applicable), Part B premium ($185/month in 2026), Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period), Part B deductible ($240/year), and all Medicare copays and coinsurance. Providers are prohibited from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing.

    SLMB Program in Rhode Island

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In Rhode Island, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,478 (couples: $1,992) may qualify. SLMB saves you $2,220/year on Part B premiums alone.

    QI Program in Rhode Island

    The Qualifying Individual (QI) program also pays the Part B premium but has limited funding — slots are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each year. In Rhode Island, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,660 (couples: $2,239) may apply. Apply early in the year to secure a slot.

    How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Rhode Island

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Rhode Island, contact your state Medicaid office or local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of income (Social Security award letter, tax return, pay stubs), proof of assets (bank statements), Medicare card, and proof of residency in Rhode Island. Applications are processed by Rhode Island’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Rhode Island

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Rhode Island automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, which reduces Part D prescription drug costs to nominal copays ($4.90 for generics, $12.15 for brand-name drugs in 2026) and eliminates the Part D late enrollment penalty. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year for beneficiaries with multiple prescriptions.

  • Medicare Savings Programs in Oregon 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Oregon: 2026 Income Limits

    Program Individual Limit Couple Limit Benefit
    QMB $1,255/month $1,704/month Pays all Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays
    SLMB $1,478/month $1,992/month Pays Part B premium ($185/month)
    QI $1,660/month $2,239/month Pays Part B premium (limited slots)
    QDWI $4,945/month $6,659/month Pays Part A premium for working disabled

    What Are Medicare Savings Programs?

    Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs funded jointly by the state and federal government that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Medicare costs. In Oregon, there are four MSPs available, each with different income limits and benefits. Qualifying for an MSP also automatically qualifies you for the Extra Help program (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D prescription drug costs.

    QMB Program in Oregon

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In Oregon, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,255 (couples: $1,704) may qualify. QMB pays your Part A premium (if applicable), Part B premium ($185/month in 2026), Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period), Part B deductible ($240/year), and all Medicare copays and coinsurance. Providers are prohibited from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing.

    SLMB Program in Oregon

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In Oregon, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,478 (couples: $1,992) may qualify. SLMB saves you $2,220/year on Part B premiums alone.

    QI Program in Oregon

    The Qualifying Individual (QI) program also pays the Part B premium but has limited funding — slots are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each year. In Oregon, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,660 (couples: $2,239) may apply. Apply early in the year to secure a slot.

    How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Oregon

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Oregon, contact your state Medicaid office or local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of income (Social Security award letter, tax return, pay stubs), proof of assets (bank statements), Medicare card, and proof of residency in Oregon. Applications are processed by Oregon’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Oregon

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Oregon automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, which reduces Part D prescription drug costs to nominal copays ($4.90 for generics, $12.15 for brand-name drugs in 2026) and eliminates the Part D late enrollment penalty. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year for beneficiaries with multiple prescriptions.

  • Medicare Savings Programs in Pennsylvania 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Pennsylvania: 2026 Income Limits

    Program Individual Limit Couple Limit Benefit
    QMB $1,255/month $1,704/month Pays all Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays
    SLMB $1,478/month $1,992/month Pays Part B premium ($185/month)
    QI $1,660/month $2,239/month Pays Part B premium (limited slots)
    QDWI $4,945/month $6,659/month Pays Part A premium for working disabled

    What Are Medicare Savings Programs?

    Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs funded jointly by the state and federal government that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Medicare costs. In Pennsylvania, there are four MSPs available, each with different income limits and benefits. Qualifying for an MSP also automatically qualifies you for the Extra Help program (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D prescription drug costs.

    QMB Program in Pennsylvania

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In Pennsylvania, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,255 (couples: $1,704) may qualify. QMB pays your Part A premium (if applicable), Part B premium ($185/month in 2026), Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period), Part B deductible ($240/year), and all Medicare copays and coinsurance. Providers are prohibited from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing.

    SLMB Program in Pennsylvania

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In Pennsylvania, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,478 (couples: $1,992) may qualify. SLMB saves you $2,220/year on Part B premiums alone.

    QI Program in Pennsylvania

    The Qualifying Individual (QI) program also pays the Part B premium but has limited funding — slots are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each year. In Pennsylvania, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,660 (couples: $2,239) may apply. Apply early in the year to secure a slot.

    How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Pennsylvania

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Pennsylvania, contact your state Medicaid office or local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of income (Social Security award letter, tax return, pay stubs), proof of assets (bank statements), Medicare card, and proof of residency in Pennsylvania. Applications are processed by Pennsylvania’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Pennsylvania

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Pennsylvania automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, which reduces Part D prescription drug costs to nominal copays ($4.90 for generics, $12.15 for brand-name drugs in 2026) and eliminates the Part D late enrollment penalty. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year for beneficiaries with multiple prescriptions.

  • Medicare Savings Programs in Oklahoma 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Oklahoma: 2026 Income Limits

    Program Individual Limit Couple Limit Benefit
    QMB $1,255/month $1,704/month Pays all Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays
    SLMB $1,478/month $1,992/month Pays Part B premium ($185/month)
    QI $1,660/month $2,239/month Pays Part B premium (limited slots)
    QDWI $4,945/month $6,659/month Pays Part A premium for working disabled

    What Are Medicare Savings Programs?

    Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs funded jointly by the state and federal government that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Medicare costs. In Oklahoma, there are four MSPs available, each with different income limits and benefits. Qualifying for an MSP also automatically qualifies you for the Extra Help program (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D prescription drug costs.

    QMB Program in Oklahoma

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In Oklahoma, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,255 (couples: $1,704) may qualify. QMB pays your Part A premium (if applicable), Part B premium ($185/month in 2026), Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period), Part B deductible ($240/year), and all Medicare copays and coinsurance. Providers are prohibited from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing.

    SLMB Program in Oklahoma

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In Oklahoma, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,478 (couples: $1,992) may qualify. SLMB saves you $2,220/year on Part B premiums alone.

    QI Program in Oklahoma

    The Qualifying Individual (QI) program also pays the Part B premium but has limited funding — slots are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each year. In Oklahoma, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,660 (couples: $2,239) may apply. Apply early in the year to secure a slot.

    How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Oklahoma

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Oklahoma, contact your state Medicaid office or local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of income (Social Security award letter, tax return, pay stubs), proof of assets (bank statements), Medicare card, and proof of residency in Oklahoma. Applications are processed by Oklahoma’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Oklahoma

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Oklahoma automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, which reduces Part D prescription drug costs to nominal copays ($4.90 for generics, $12.15 for brand-name drugs in 2026) and eliminates the Part D late enrollment penalty. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year for beneficiaries with multiple prescriptions.

  • Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio: 2026 Income Limits

    Program Individual Limit Couple Limit Benefit
    QMB $1,255/month $1,704/month Pays all Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays
    SLMB $1,478/month $1,992/month Pays Part B premium ($185/month)
    QI $1,660/month $2,239/month Pays Part B premium (limited slots)
    QDWI $4,945/month $6,659/month Pays Part A premium for working disabled

    What Are Medicare Savings Programs?

    Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs funded jointly by the state and federal government that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Medicare costs. In Ohio, there are four MSPs available, each with different income limits and benefits. Qualifying for an MSP also automatically qualifies you for the Extra Help program (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D prescription drug costs.

    QMB Program in Ohio

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In Ohio, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,255 (couples: $1,704) may qualify. QMB pays your Part A premium (if applicable), Part B premium ($185/month in 2026), Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period), Part B deductible ($240/year), and all Medicare copays and coinsurance. Providers are prohibited from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing.

    SLMB Program in Ohio

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In Ohio, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,478 (couples: $1,992) may qualify. SLMB saves you $2,220/year on Part B premiums alone.

    QI Program in Ohio

    The Qualifying Individual (QI) program also pays the Part B premium but has limited funding — slots are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each year. In Ohio, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,660 (couples: $2,239) may apply. Apply early in the year to secure a slot.

    How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Ohio, contact your state Medicaid office or local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of income (Social Security award letter, tax return, pay stubs), proof of assets (bank statements), Medicare card, and proof of residency in Ohio. Applications are processed by Ohio’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Ohio

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Ohio automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, which reduces Part D prescription drug costs to nominal copays ($4.90 for generics, $12.15 for brand-name drugs in 2026) and eliminates the Part D late enrollment penalty. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year for beneficiaries with multiple prescriptions.

  • Medicare Savings Programs in North Dakota 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in North Dakota: 2026 Income Limits

    Program Individual Limit Couple Limit Benefit
    QMB $1,255/month $1,704/month Pays all Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays
    SLMB $1,478/month $1,992/month Pays Part B premium ($185/month)
    QI $1,660/month $2,239/month Pays Part B premium (limited slots)
    QDWI $4,945/month $6,659/month Pays Part A premium for working disabled

    What Are Medicare Savings Programs?

    Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs funded jointly by the state and federal government that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Medicare costs. In North Dakota, there are four MSPs available, each with different income limits and benefits. Qualifying for an MSP also automatically qualifies you for the Extra Help program (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D prescription drug costs.

    QMB Program in North Dakota

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In North Dakota, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,255 (couples: $1,704) may qualify. QMB pays your Part A premium (if applicable), Part B premium ($185/month in 2026), Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period), Part B deductible ($240/year), and all Medicare copays and coinsurance. Providers are prohibited from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing.

    SLMB Program in North Dakota

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In North Dakota, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,478 (couples: $1,992) may qualify. SLMB saves you $2,220/year on Part B premiums alone.

    QI Program in North Dakota

    The Qualifying Individual (QI) program also pays the Part B premium but has limited funding — slots are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each year. In North Dakota, individuals with monthly income at or below $1,660 (couples: $2,239) may apply. Apply early in the year to secure a slot.

    How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in North Dakota

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in North Dakota, contact your state Medicaid office or local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of income (Social Security award letter, tax return, pay stubs), proof of assets (bank statements), Medicare card, and proof of residency in North Dakota. Applications are processed by North Dakota’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in North Dakota

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in North Dakota automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, which reduces Part D prescription drug costs to nominal copays ($4.90 for generics, $12.15 for brand-name drugs in 2026) and eliminates the Part D late enrollment penalty. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year for beneficiaries with multiple prescriptions.