Medicare
Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Savings Programs can eliminate Part B premiums and reduce other Medicare cost-sharing for qualifying low-income individuals.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology
Definition
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered Medicaid programs that assist low-income Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare cost-sharing. There are four main MSP categories, each with different income and asset thresholds: the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program, the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program, the Qualifying Individual (QI) program, and the Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) program. Together, MSPs help pay Part A and/or Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. States are required to disregard certain income and assets in eligibility determinations, including most Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. Enrollment in most MSPs also automatically qualifies beneficiaries for Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) for Part D prescription drug costs, which can dramatically reduce drug costs. MSPs are administered at the state level, so income and asset limits, application processes, and covered costs vary by state. Many eligible beneficiaries do not know these programs exist — healthcare providers and counselors should routinely screen Medicare patients for MSP eligibility.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team
Editorial Lead
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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