Medicare Ratings Guide

Category: Uncategorized

  • Medigap Plans in Florida 2026: Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Costs

    Medigap in Florida: 2026 Average Premiums

    Plan Estimated Monthly Premium Part A Deductible Part B Coinsurance
    Plan G (most popular) $134/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan N $110/month Covered Covered (with copays up to $20)
    Plan F (pre-2020 only) $154/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan K $60/month 50% covered 50% covered
    Plan L $80/month 75% covered 75% covered

    Medicare Supplement Insurance in Florida

    Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance fills the gaps in Original Medicare coverage in Florida. The most popular plan — Plan G — has an average monthly premium of $134 in Florida, covering the Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period in 2026), Part B coinsurance (20% of all covered services), skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency coverage. The only gap Plan G leaves is the Part B deductible ($240/year).

    Medigap Plan Comparison in Florida

    Benefit Plan G Plan N Plan F* Plan K Plan L
    Part A coinsurance and hospital costs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
    Part B coinsurance/copayment ✓ ✓ (copays) ✓ 50% 75%
    Blood (first 3 pints) ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A hospice coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Skilled nursing facility coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A deductible ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part B deductible ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Part B excess charges ✓ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Foreign travel emergency (80%) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Estimated monthly premium in Florida $134 $110 $154* $60 $80

    *Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

    When to Buy Medigap in Florida

    The best time to buy Medigap in Florida is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers in Florida cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting in most states, potentially denying coverage or charging significantly higher premiums.

    Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in Florida

    Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage in Florida depends on your health needs and preferences. Medigap + Part D gives you nationwide provider access, predictable costs, and no prior authorization requirements — ideal for people with complex health needs or who travel frequently. Medicare Advantage (average premium: $7.8/month in Florida) typically has lower premiums but network restrictions and prior authorization requirements. The average MA plan in Florida is rated 3.9 stars by CMS.

  • Medigap Plans in Delaware 2026: Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Costs

    Medigap in Delaware: 2026 Average Premiums

    Plan Estimated Monthly Premium Part A Deductible Part B Coinsurance
    Plan G (most popular) $148/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan N $121/month Covered Covered (with copays up to $20)
    Plan F (pre-2020 only) $170/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan K $67/month 50% covered 50% covered
    Plan L $89/month 75% covered 75% covered

    Medicare Supplement Insurance in Delaware

    Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance fills the gaps in Original Medicare coverage in Delaware. The most popular plan — Plan G — has an average monthly premium of $148 in Delaware, covering the Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period in 2026), Part B coinsurance (20% of all covered services), skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency coverage. The only gap Plan G leaves is the Part B deductible ($240/year).

    Medigap Plan Comparison in Delaware

    Benefit Plan G Plan N Plan F* Plan K Plan L
    Part A coinsurance and hospital costs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
    Part B coinsurance/copayment ✓ ✓ (copays) ✓ 50% 75%
    Blood (first 3 pints) ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A hospice coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Skilled nursing facility coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A deductible ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part B deductible ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Part B excess charges ✓ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Foreign travel emergency (80%) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Estimated monthly premium in Delaware $148 $121 $170* $67 $89

    *Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

    When to Buy Medigap in Delaware

    The best time to buy Medigap in Delaware is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers in Delaware cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting in most states, potentially denying coverage or charging significantly higher premiums.

    Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in Delaware

    Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage in Delaware depends on your health needs and preferences. Medigap + Part D gives you nationwide provider access, predictable costs, and no prior authorization requirements — ideal for people with complex health needs or who travel frequently. Medicare Advantage (average premium: $11.4/month in Delaware) typically has lower premiums but network restrictions and prior authorization requirements. The average MA plan in Delaware is rated 3.9 stars by CMS.

  • Medigap Plans in Connecticut 2026: Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Costs

    Medigap in Connecticut: 2026 Average Premiums

    Plan Estimated Monthly Premium Part A Deductible Part B Coinsurance
    Plan G (most popular) $172/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan N $141/month Covered Covered (with copays up to $20)
    Plan F (pre-2020 only) $198/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan K $77/month 50% covered 50% covered
    Plan L $103/month 75% covered 75% covered

    Medicare Supplement Insurance in Connecticut

    Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance fills the gaps in Original Medicare coverage in Connecticut. The most popular plan — Plan G — has an average monthly premium of $172 in Connecticut, covering the Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period in 2026), Part B coinsurance (20% of all covered services), skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency coverage. The only gap Plan G leaves is the Part B deductible ($240/year).

    Medigap Plan Comparison in Connecticut

    Benefit Plan G Plan N Plan F* Plan K Plan L
    Part A coinsurance and hospital costs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
    Part B coinsurance/copayment ✓ ✓ (copays) ✓ 50% 75%
    Blood (first 3 pints) ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A hospice coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Skilled nursing facility coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A deductible ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part B deductible ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Part B excess charges ✓ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Foreign travel emergency (80%) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Estimated monthly premium in Connecticut $172 $141 $198* $77 $103

    *Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

    When to Buy Medigap in Connecticut

    The best time to buy Medigap in Connecticut is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers in Connecticut cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting in most states, potentially denying coverage or charging significantly higher premiums.

    Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in Connecticut

    Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage in Connecticut depends on your health needs and preferences. Medigap + Part D gives you nationwide provider access, predictable costs, and no prior authorization requirements — ideal for people with complex health needs or who travel frequently. Medicare Advantage (average premium: $14.2/month in Connecticut) typically has lower premiums but network restrictions and prior authorization requirements. The average MA plan in Connecticut is rated 4.1 stars by CMS.

  • Medigap Plans in Colorado 2026: Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Costs

    Medigap in Colorado: 2026 Average Premiums

    Plan Estimated Monthly Premium Part A Deductible Part B Coinsurance
    Plan G (most popular) $138/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan N $113/month Covered Covered (with copays up to $20)
    Plan F (pre-2020 only) $159/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan K $62/month 50% covered 50% covered
    Plan L $83/month 75% covered 75% covered

    Medicare Supplement Insurance in Colorado

    Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance fills the gaps in Original Medicare coverage in Colorado. The most popular plan — Plan G — has an average monthly premium of $138 in Colorado, covering the Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period in 2026), Part B coinsurance (20% of all covered services), skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency coverage. The only gap Plan G leaves is the Part B deductible ($240/year).

    Medigap Plan Comparison in Colorado

    Benefit Plan G Plan N Plan F* Plan K Plan L
    Part A coinsurance and hospital costs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
    Part B coinsurance/copayment ✓ ✓ (copays) ✓ 50% 75%
    Blood (first 3 pints) ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A hospice coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Skilled nursing facility coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A deductible ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part B deductible ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Part B excess charges ✓ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Foreign travel emergency (80%) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Estimated monthly premium in Colorado $138 $113 $159* $62 $83

    *Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

    When to Buy Medigap in Colorado

    The best time to buy Medigap in Colorado is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers in Colorado cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting in most states, potentially denying coverage or charging significantly higher premiums.

    Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in Colorado

    Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage in Colorado depends on your health needs and preferences. Medigap + Part D gives you nationwide provider access, predictable costs, and no prior authorization requirements — ideal for people with complex health needs or who travel frequently. Medicare Advantage (average premium: $9.1/month in Colorado) typically has lower premiums but network restrictions and prior authorization requirements. The average MA plan in Colorado is rated 4.0 stars by CMS.

  • Medigap Plans in California 2026: Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Costs

    Medigap in California: 2026 Average Premiums

    Plan Estimated Monthly Premium Part A Deductible Part B Coinsurance
    Plan G (most popular) $168/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan N $138/month Covered Covered (with copays up to $20)
    Plan F (pre-2020 only) $193/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan K $76/month 50% covered 50% covered
    Plan L $101/month 75% covered 75% covered

    Medicare Supplement Insurance in California

    Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance fills the gaps in Original Medicare coverage in California. The most popular plan — Plan G — has an average monthly premium of $168 in California, covering the Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period in 2026), Part B coinsurance (20% of all covered services), skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency coverage. The only gap Plan G leaves is the Part B deductible ($240/year).

    Medigap Plan Comparison in California

    Benefit Plan G Plan N Plan F* Plan K Plan L
    Part A coinsurance and hospital costs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
    Part B coinsurance/copayment ✓ ✓ (copays) ✓ 50% 75%
    Blood (first 3 pints) ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A hospice coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Skilled nursing facility coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A deductible ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part B deductible ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Part B excess charges ✓ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Foreign travel emergency (80%) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Estimated monthly premium in California $168 $138 $193* $76 $101

    *Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

    When to Buy Medigap in California

    The best time to buy Medigap in California is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers in California cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting in most states, potentially denying coverage or charging significantly higher premiums.

    Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in California

    Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage in California depends on your health needs and preferences. Medigap + Part D gives you nationwide provider access, predictable costs, and no prior authorization requirements — ideal for people with complex health needs or who travel frequently. Medicare Advantage (average premium: $12.3/month in California) typically has lower premiums but network restrictions and prior authorization requirements. The average MA plan in California is rated 4.2 stars by CMS.

  • Medigap Plans in Arkansas 2026: Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Costs

    Medigap in Arkansas: 2026 Average Premiums

    Plan Estimated Monthly Premium Part A Deductible Part B Coinsurance
    Plan G (most popular) $118/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan N $97/month Covered Covered (with copays up to $20)
    Plan F (pre-2020 only) $136/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan K $53/month 50% covered 50% covered
    Plan L $71/month 75% covered 75% covered

    Medicare Supplement Insurance in Arkansas

    Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance fills the gaps in Original Medicare coverage in Arkansas. The most popular plan — Plan G — has an average monthly premium of $118 in Arkansas, covering the Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period in 2026), Part B coinsurance (20% of all covered services), skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency coverage. The only gap Plan G leaves is the Part B deductible ($240/year).

    Medigap Plan Comparison in Arkansas

    Benefit Plan G Plan N Plan F* Plan K Plan L
    Part A coinsurance and hospital costs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
    Part B coinsurance/copayment ✓ ✓ (copays) ✓ 50% 75%
    Blood (first 3 pints) ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A hospice coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Skilled nursing facility coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A deductible ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part B deductible ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Part B excess charges ✓ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Foreign travel emergency (80%) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Estimated monthly premium in Arkansas $118 $97 $136* $53 $71

    *Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

    When to Buy Medigap in Arkansas

    The best time to buy Medigap in Arkansas is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers in Arkansas cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting in most states, potentially denying coverage or charging significantly higher premiums.

    Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in Arkansas

    Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage in Arkansas depends on your health needs and preferences. Medigap + Part D gives you nationwide provider access, predictable costs, and no prior authorization requirements — ideal for people with complex health needs or who travel frequently. Medicare Advantage (average premium: $6.4/month in Arkansas) typically has lower premiums but network restrictions and prior authorization requirements. The average MA plan in Arkansas is rated 3.7 stars by CMS.

  • Medigap Plans in Arizona 2026: Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Costs

    Medigap in Arizona: 2026 Average Premiums

    Plan Estimated Monthly Premium Part A Deductible Part B Coinsurance
    Plan G (most popular) $128/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan N $105/month Covered Covered (with copays up to $20)
    Plan F (pre-2020 only) $147/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan K $58/month 50% covered 50% covered
    Plan L $77/month 75% covered 75% covered

    Medicare Supplement Insurance in Arizona

    Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance fills the gaps in Original Medicare coverage in Arizona. The most popular plan — Plan G — has an average monthly premium of $128 in Arizona, covering the Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period in 2026), Part B coinsurance (20% of all covered services), skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency coverage. The only gap Plan G leaves is the Part B deductible ($240/year).

    Medigap Plan Comparison in Arizona

    Benefit Plan G Plan N Plan F* Plan K Plan L
    Part A coinsurance and hospital costs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
    Part B coinsurance/copayment ✓ ✓ (copays) ✓ 50% 75%
    Blood (first 3 pints) ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A hospice coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Skilled nursing facility coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A deductible ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part B deductible ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Part B excess charges ✓ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Foreign travel emergency (80%) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Estimated monthly premium in Arizona $128 $105 $147* $58 $77

    *Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

    When to Buy Medigap in Arizona

    The best time to buy Medigap in Arizona is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers in Arizona cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting in most states, potentially denying coverage or charging significantly higher premiums.

    Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in Arizona

    Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage in Arizona depends on your health needs and preferences. Medigap + Part D gives you nationwide provider access, predictable costs, and no prior authorization requirements — ideal for people with complex health needs or who travel frequently. Medicare Advantage (average premium: $8.2/month in Arizona) typically has lower premiums but network restrictions and prior authorization requirements. The average MA plan in Arizona is rated 4.1 stars by CMS.

  • Medigap Plans in Alaska 2026: Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Costs

    Medigap in Alaska: 2026 Average Premiums

    Plan Estimated Monthly Premium Part A Deductible Part B Coinsurance
    Plan G (most popular) $198/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan N $162/month Covered Covered (with copays up to $20)
    Plan F (pre-2020 only) $228/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan K $89/month 50% covered 50% covered
    Plan L $119/month 75% covered 75% covered

    Medicare Supplement Insurance in Alaska

    Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance fills the gaps in Original Medicare coverage in Alaska. The most popular plan — Plan G — has an average monthly premium of $198 in Alaska, covering the Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period in 2026), Part B coinsurance (20% of all covered services), skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency coverage. The only gap Plan G leaves is the Part B deductible ($240/year).

    Medigap Plan Comparison in Alaska

    Benefit Plan G Plan N Plan F* Plan K Plan L
    Part A coinsurance and hospital costs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
    Part B coinsurance/copayment ✓ ✓ (copays) ✓ 50% 75%
    Blood (first 3 pints) ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A hospice coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Skilled nursing facility coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A deductible ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part B deductible ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Part B excess charges ✓ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Foreign travel emergency (80%) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Estimated monthly premium in Alaska $198 $162 $228* $89 $119

    *Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

    When to Buy Medigap in Alaska

    The best time to buy Medigap in Alaska is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers in Alaska cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting in most states, potentially denying coverage or charging significantly higher premiums.

    Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in Alaska

    Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage in Alaska depends on your health needs and preferences. Medigap + Part D gives you nationwide provider access, predictable costs, and no prior authorization requirements — ideal for people with complex health needs or who travel frequently. Medicare Advantage (average premium: $0/month in Alaska) typically has lower premiums but network restrictions and prior authorization requirements. The average MA plan in Alaska is rated 3.5 stars by CMS.

  • Medigap Plans in Alabama 2026: Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Costs

    Medigap in Alabama: 2026 Average Premiums

    Plan Estimated Monthly Premium Part A Deductible Part B Coinsurance
    Plan G (most popular) $142/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan N $116/month Covered Covered (with copays up to $20)
    Plan F (pre-2020 only) $163/month Covered 100% covered
    Plan K $64/month 50% covered 50% covered
    Plan L $85/month 75% covered 75% covered

    Medicare Supplement Insurance in Alabama

    Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance fills the gaps in Original Medicare coverage in Alabama. The most popular plan — Plan G — has an average monthly premium of $142 in Alabama, covering the Part A deductible ($1,676 per benefit period in 2026), Part B coinsurance (20% of all covered services), skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency coverage. The only gap Plan G leaves is the Part B deductible ($240/year).

    Medigap Plan Comparison in Alabama

    Benefit Plan G Plan N Plan F* Plan K Plan L
    Part A coinsurance and hospital costs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
    Part B coinsurance/copayment ✓ ✓ (copays) ✓ 50% 75%
    Blood (first 3 pints) ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A hospice coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Skilled nursing facility coinsurance ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part A deductible ✓ ✓ ✓ 50% 75%
    Part B deductible ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Part B excess charges ✓ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Foreign travel emergency (80%) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
    Estimated monthly premium in Alabama $142 $116 $163* $64 $85

    *Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

    When to Buy Medigap in Alabama

    The best time to buy Medigap in Alabama is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers in Alabama cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting in most states, potentially denying coverage or charging significantly higher premiums.

    Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in Alabama

    Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage in Alabama depends on your health needs and preferences. Medigap + Part D gives you nationwide provider access, predictable costs, and no prior authorization requirements — ideal for people with complex health needs or who travel frequently. Medicare Advantage (average premium: $18.5/month in Alabama) typically has lower premiums but network restrictions and prior authorization requirements. The average MA plan in Alabama is rated 3.8 stars by CMS.

  • Medicare Savings Programs in District of Columbia 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in District of Columbia: 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 District of Columbia, 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 District of Columbia

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

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

    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 District of Columbia, 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 District of Columbia

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in District of Columbia

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in District of Columbia 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.