How Medicare Savings Programs Can Lower Your Healthcare Costs

Medicare costs can add up quickly, especially for retirees on a fixed income.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible, you must:

1. Be enrolled in Medicare Part A
2. Meet income and asset limits (varies by state)

Even if you think you earn too much, apply anyway—state rules may differ from federal limits.
 

Types of Medicare Savings Programs

There are four programs, each with different benefits:

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) – Covers Medicare Part A & B premiums, deductibles, and copays.
• SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) – Helps pay for Medicare Part B premiums.
• QI (Qualifying Individual) – Also covers Medicare Part B premiums, but funding is limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis.
• QDWI (Qualified Disabled & Working Individual) – Pays Medicare Part A premiums for certain individuals under 65.

If you qualify for any of these programs, you also get Extra Help for Medicare Part D, lowering prescription drug costs.
 

2025 Medicare Savings Program Income & Asset Limits

These are the general income and asset limits for 2025, though they may vary by state:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program

  • Individual income: $1,325/month
  • Couple income: $1,783/month
  • Individual assets: $9,660
  • Couple assets: $14,470

• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program

  • Individual income: $1,585/month
  • Couple income: $2,135/month
  • Asset limits: Same as QMB

• Qualifying Individual (QI) Program

  • Individual income: $1,781/month
  • Couple income: $2,400/month
  • Asset limits: Same as QMB

• Qualified Disabled & Working Individual (QDWI) Program

  • Individual income: $5,302/month
  • Couple income: $7,135/month
  • Asset limits: Lower than other programs

Note: Alaska and Hawaii have slightly higher income limits.
 

How to Apply?

1. Visit your state Medicaid office online or in person.
2. Fill out the application (available online, by mail, or in person).
3. Submit the required documents (proof of income, assets, and Medicare enrollment).

Applying takes only a few minutes but could save you thousands each year.

Check with your state Medicaid office or visit Medicare.gov to get started.

Previous article: New Social Security Payment Amounts with 2.5% COLA Increase: Expect More This 2025

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