By the Kryder Cares Data Desk · Reviewed by Kris Kryder, licensed agent · Updated
Key points
- 2026 QMB limit: $1,350 a month income and $9,950 resources for an individual (most states).
- QMB, SLMB and QI members get Extra Help automatically.
- 2026 Extra Help limits: $23,940 income / $18,090 resources for an individual.
- With Extra Help or Medicaid, you can change drug plans once a month.
Medicare Savings Programs: help with premiums
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are run by each state. They pay Medicare premiums and, for the lowest-income group, deductibles and copays too. CMS encourages people to apply even if you don’t think you qualify, because states can set higher limits or not count certain income and resources. The figures below are the 2026 federal limits for most states; Alaska and Hawaii are slightly higher.
| Program | What it pays | Individual | Married couple |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary | Part A and B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copays | $1,350 / $9,950 | $1,824 / $14,910 |
| SLMB — Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary | Part B premium | $1,616 / $9,950 | $2,184 / $14,910 |
| QI — Qualifying Individual | Part B premium | $1,816 / $9,950 | $2,455 / $14,910 |
| QDWI — Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals | Part A premium (for certain working people with disabilities) | $5,405 / $4,000 | $7,299 / $6,000 |
If you’re in QMB, Medicare providers aren’t allowed to bill you for Medicare-covered services and items, including deductibles, coinsurance and copays. Show your Medicare and Medicaid (or QMB) cards each time you get care.
Extra Help: lower drug costs
Extra Help is a federal program, run with Social Security, that lowers Part D premiums, deductibles and copays. You qualify automatically if you have full Medicaid, an MSP or Supplemental Security Income. Otherwise Kris files the application with Social Security with you — and an Extra Help application can start an MSP application with your state unless you say no.
The 2026 limits are $23,940 income and $18,090 resources for an individual, and $32,460 and $36,100 for a married couple. For 2027, CMS lists $0 plan premium and deductible on qualifying plans, and no more than $5.80 per generic and $14.40 per brand-name drug. While you have Extra Help, you don’t pay a Part D late enrollment penalty.
Medicaid and Medicare together
About 12 million people are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, according to Medicaid.gov. People with both are often called dual eligible. Medicare pays first for covered services; Medicaid can then help with costs Medicare leaves, depending on the Medicaid coverage you have.
Dual-eligible people can choose a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), a Medicare Advantage plan built around both programs. Kris explains these in her article on D-SNPs and on the Special Needs Plans page.
Changing drug plans more often
If you have Medicaid or Extra Help, you have more flexibility than most people with Medicare: you can change your drug plan once a month, rather than only during the yearly Open Enrollment Period. That helps if a medication or pharmacy changes. Our Part D guide explains how to compare drug plans.
How to apply in Ohio
Medicaid.gov lists the Ohio Department of Medicaid (medicaid.ohio.gov, 800-324-8680) as the state agency, with applications through benefits.ohio.gov. Kris files the Extra Help application with Social Security with you. Michigan, Indiana and Florida residents apply through their own state Medicaid agencies, which are listed on Medicaid.gov.
Have proof of income, bank statements and your Medicare card ready.
How Kris helps
Kris can’t decide eligibility — the state and Social Security do — but she can help you understand which programs to ask about and, once you have Medicaid or Extra Help, compare plans that work with them. Read our Medicare costs guide for the full 2026 picture, or call for a no-cost review.
Your next step
Have questions about your own situation? Contact Kris or schedule a no-cost meeting. You can also read more about Special Needs Plans (SNPs) and Medicare Part D.
Sources
- CMS — Medicare Savings Programs
- CMS — Help with drug costs (Extra Help)
- Medicaid.gov — Seniors & Medicare and Medicaid enrollees
- Medicaid.gov — Get help with Medicaid & CHIP (state agency contacts)
- CMS — Avoid late enrollment penalties
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 14 organizations which offer 119 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. This is a proprietary website and is not associated, endorsed or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services or the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This site contains decision-support content and information about Medicare, services related to Medicare and services for people with Medicare. If you would like to find more information about the Medicare program please visit the Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare located at www.medicare.gov.
This guide is general education, not a recommendation for any specific plan or policy. Figures were current as of October 19, 2026; plan details and government amounts change every year.