$1,350QMB monthly income, individual
$1,616SLMB monthly income, individual
$1,816QI monthly income, individual
$9,950Resource limit, individual
2026 income and resource limits
| Program | Individual income (per month) | Couple income (per month) | What it pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) | $1,350 | $1,824 | Part A and B premiums, plus deductibles, coinsurance, and copays |
| SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) | $1,616 | $2,184 | Part B premium ($202.90 in 2026) |
| QI (Qualifying Individual) | $1,816 | $2,455 | Part B premium; you cannot also have Medicaid |
| QDWI (Qualified Disabled and Working Individual) | $5,405 | $7,299 | Part A premium for working people with disabilities |
Resource limits: $9,950 (individual) and $14,910 (couple) for QMB, SLMB, and QI; $4,000 and $6,000 for QDWI. Resources include bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Your home, one car, and household goods generally do not count.
These limits are for most states. Alaska and Hawaii are higher, and some states raise the limits or drop the asset test, so a state may accept you even if you are above these numbers. The limits can change in 2027.
The bonus: automatic Extra Help
If you qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you automatically qualify for Extra Help with Part D drug costs.
How to apply
- Contact your state Medicaid office (the programs are run by states, not Social Security).
- Ask for the Medicare Savings Program application and bring proof of income and savings.
- If approved, the state starts paying your Part B premium, and your Social Security check increases because the premium is no longer deducted.
It can be worth about $2,400 a year. The 2026 Part B premium of $202.90 comes to $2,434.80 per year. SLMB and QI recipients may have that amount paid for them.
Income is counted after a $20 disregard, and many states disregard more. If you are close to the limit, apply anyway.