Medicare Ratings Guide

Category: Uncategorized

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

    Medicare Savings Programs in Wyoming: 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 Wyoming, 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 Wyoming

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

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

    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 Wyoming, 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 Wyoming

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Wyoming

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Wyoming 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 Wisconsin 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Wisconsin: 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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin

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

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

    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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Wisconsin

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Wisconsin 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 West Virginia 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in West Virginia: 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 West Virginia, 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 West Virginia

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

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

    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 West Virginia, 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 West Virginia

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in West Virginia

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in West Virginia 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 Virginia 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Virginia: 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 Virginia, 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 Virginia

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

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

    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 Virginia, 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 Virginia

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Virginia

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Virginia 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 Washington 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Washington: 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 Washington, 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 Washington

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

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

    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 Washington, 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 Washington

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Washington

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Washington 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 Vermont 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Vermont: 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 Vermont, 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 Vermont

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

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

    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 Vermont, 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 Vermont

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Vermont

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Vermont 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 Utah 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

    Medicare Savings Programs in Utah: 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 Utah, 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 Utah

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

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

    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 Utah, 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 Utah

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

    Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) and MSPs in Utah

    Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program in Utah 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 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.