Medicare Ratings Guide

Author: Dr. Patricia Chen

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

    Medicare Savings Programs in North 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 North 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 North Carolina

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In North 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 North Carolina

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In North 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 North 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 North 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 North Carolina

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in North 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 North Carolina. Applications are processed by North Carolina’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

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

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in North 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 New York 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in New York: 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 New York, 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 New York

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In New York, 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 New York

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In New York, 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 New York

    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 New York, 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 New York

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in New York, 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 New York. Applications are processed by New York’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in New York

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in New York 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 New Mexico 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in New Mexico: 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 New Mexico, 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 New Mexico

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In New Mexico, 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 New Mexico

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In New Mexico, 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 New Mexico

    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 New Mexico, 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 New Mexico

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in New Mexico, 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 New Mexico. Applications are processed by New Mexico’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in New Mexico

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in New Mexico 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 New Jersey 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in New Jersey: 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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In New Jersey, 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 New Jersey

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In New Jersey, 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 New Jersey

    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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey. Applications are processed by New Jersey’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in New Jersey

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in New Jersey 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 New Hampshire 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in New Hampshire: 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 New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire

    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 New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire. Applications are processed by New Hampshire’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in New Hampshire

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in New Hampshire 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 Nevada 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Nevada: 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 Nevada, 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 Nevada

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In Nevada, 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 Nevada

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In Nevada, 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 Nevada

    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 Nevada, 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 Nevada

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Nevada, 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 Nevada. Applications are processed by Nevada’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Nevada

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Nevada 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 Nebraska 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Nebraska: 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 Nebraska, 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 Nebraska

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In Nebraska, 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 Nebraska

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In Nebraska, 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 Nebraska

    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 Nebraska, 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 Nebraska

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Nebraska, 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 Nebraska. Applications are processed by Nebraska’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Nebraska

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Nebraska 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 Montana 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Montana: 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 Montana, 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 Montana

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In Montana, 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 Montana

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In Montana, 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 Montana

    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 Montana, 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 Montana

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Montana, 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 Montana. Applications are processed by Montana’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Montana

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Montana 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 Missouri 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Missouri: 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 Missouri, 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 Missouri

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In Missouri, 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 Missouri

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In Missouri, 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 Missouri

    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 Missouri, 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 Missouri

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Missouri, 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 Missouri. Applications are processed by Missouri’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Missouri

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Missouri 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 Mississippi 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Mississippi: 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 Mississippi, 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 Mississippi

    The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive MSP. In Mississippi, 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 Mississippi

    The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). In Mississippi, 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 Mississippi

    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 Mississippi, 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 Mississippi

    To apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi. Applications are processed by Mississippi’s Medicaid agency. If approved, benefits are retroactive to the month of application.

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Mississippi

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Mississippi 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.