Medicare Ratings Guide

Author: Dr. Patricia Chen

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

    Medicare Savings Programs in Illinois: 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 Illinois, 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 Illinois

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

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

    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 Illinois, 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 Illinois

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Illinois

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Illinois 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 Idaho 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Idaho: 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 Idaho, 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 Idaho

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

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

    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 Idaho, 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 Idaho

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Idaho

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Idaho 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 Hawaii 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Hawaii: 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 Hawaii, 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 Hawaii

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

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

    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 Hawaii, 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 Hawaii

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Hawaii

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Hawaii 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 Georgia 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Georgia: 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 Georgia, 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 Georgia

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

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

    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 Georgia, 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 Georgia

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Georgia

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Georgia 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 Florida 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Florida: 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 Florida, 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 Florida

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

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

    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 Florida, 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 Florida

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Florida

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Florida 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 Delaware 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Delaware: 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware

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

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

    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 Delaware, 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 Delaware

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Delaware

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Delaware 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 Connecticut 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Connecticut: 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 Connecticut, 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 Connecticut

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

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

    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 Connecticut, 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 Connecticut

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Connecticut

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Connecticut 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 Colorado 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Colorado: 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 Colorado, 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 Colorado

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

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

    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 Colorado, 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 Colorado

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Colorado

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Colorado 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 California 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in California: 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 California, 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 California

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

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

    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 California, 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 California

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in California

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in California 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 Arkansas 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Arkansas: 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 Arkansas, 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 Arkansas

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

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

    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 Arkansas, 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 Arkansas

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Arkansas

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Arkansas 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.