Medicare Savings Programs: Help With Part B Costs

Published by the Modern Lending Solutions editorial team. Last reviewed: October 30, 2026.

Short answer: Medicare Savings Programs are run by your state and can pay your Medicare Part B premium, and in the QMB program also Part B deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. Medicare.gov says: “Even if you don’t think you qualify, you should still apply” (Medicare.gov, read October 30, 2026). This is general information, not medical or legal advice.

The 2026 Part B costs these programs help with

• Premium: “$202.90 each month (or higher depending on your income)”, paid each month even if you don’t use Part B services (Medicare.gov, read October 30, 2026).
• Deductible: “$283 before Original Medicare starts to pay” (Medicare.gov).

Only for the math: $202.90 x 12 = $2,434.80 in Part B premiums for 2026 at the standard amount.

What each program pays and the 2026 limits

Federal monthly income and resource limits for 2026, as listed on Medicare.gov (Medicare.gov):

• Medicare.gov says: “These limits go up each year”, and you may still qualify in your state even if your income or resources are higher than the federal limits, because some states don’t count certain types or amounts of income or resources (Medicare.gov).
• The income limits are slightly higher in two states, per a footnote on Medicare.gov (Medicare.gov).
• QMB: Medicare providers aren’t allowed to bill you for services and items Medicare covers, including deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. Show your Medicare card and your Medicaid or QMB card each time you get care (Medicare.gov).
• QI: you must apply every year, and QI is only for people who don’t qualify for any other Medicaid coverage or benefits. Medicare.gov says applications are handled first-come, first-served, with priority for people who got QI the year before (Medicare.gov).

Medicare.gov also lists a fourth program, Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI), which helps pay Part A premiums for some people who returned to work with a disability (Medicare.gov).

Extra Help comes with it

Medicare.gov says that if you qualify for QMB, SLMB or QI, you’ll also get Extra Help paying for your prescription drugs, and “You’ll pay no more than $12.65 in 2026 for each drug covered by your Medicare drug plan” (Medicare.gov). For more on drug costs, see prescription drug costs: your options.

How to apply

“These programs are run by your state. Contact your state to apply”, and your state determines which program you qualify for (Medicare.gov). Contact your state Medicaid office and ask for a Medicare Savings Program application. Ask what counts as income and resources and which papers to send.

Before you borrow for Medicare costs

A loan does not lower a monthly premium; it adds a payment. Check these programs first. If you still borrow, see how to budget for a loan payment.

Checklist

• Compare your monthly income and resources with the 2026 limits, and apply even if you are close.
• Contact your state Medicaid office to apply.
• Reapply each year if you are in QI.
• Show your Medicare and Medicaid or QMB cards when you get care.
• Check your drug costs under Extra Help.

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Sources

1. Medicare.gov: Medicare Savings Programs
2. Medicare.gov: Medicare costs (What you pay in 2026)
3. Medicare.gov: Help with drug costs (Extra Help)

Disclosure: Modern Lending Solutions is not a lender, loan broker or agent for any lender or loan broker, and does not make credit decisions. Any compensation we receive is paid by participating lenders, only for advertising services. This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice.