Medicare

SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary)

SLMB covers the monthly Part B premium for qualifying low-income Medicare beneficiaries whose income exceeds the QMB limit but remains below 120% of FPL.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology

Definition

The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program is a Medicare Savings Program that helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries who earn slightly too much to qualify for the more comprehensive Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program. SLMB pays the Medicare Part B monthly premium — $202.90 in 2026 for most beneficiaries — on behalf of qualifying enrollees. Unlike QMB, SLMB does not cover Part A premiums, deductibles, or other Medicare cost-sharing. The income eligibility threshold for SLMB is generally between 100% and 120% of the federal poverty level. Like QMB, enrollment in SLMB automatically qualifies the beneficiary for Extra Help with Part D prescription drug costs, which is a substantial additional benefit often worth hundreds of dollars annually in reduced drug costs. The Qualifying Individual (QI) program covers the Part B premium for those at 120–135% FPL but must be applied for annually and is funded by a capped federal grant, meaning enrollment is first-come, first-served. All MSP applications are submitted to the state Medicaid agency.

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Tip

Glossary definitions are educational. Always check your own policy language — insurers can define common terms differently from one another. When in doubt, request a written explanation from your agent.

Related terms

Medicare Savings ProgramsMedicare Savings Programs can eliminate Part B premiums and reduce other Medicare cost-sharing for qualifying low-income individuals.QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary)QMB status eliminates virtually all Medicare out-of-pocket costs for qualifying beneficiaries and providers cannot bill QMB-enrolled patients for cost-sharing.Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy)Extra Help (also called the Low-Income Subsidy or LIS) dramatically lowers prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources.Dual EligibleDual-eligible beneficiaries receive Medicare for primary coverage and Medicaid for cost-sharing assistance, long-term care, and services Medicare does not cover.Medicare Part BMedicare Part B charges a monthly premium — $202.90 in 2026 for most beneficiaries — and covers the outpatient medical services that Part A does not.

Related guides

Source: Cover Forge USA editorial team|Last verified: May 2026|Methodology
Definitions are educational and may be simplified. Always refer to your policy contract and consult a licensed agent for terms that affect coverage decisions.
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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 June 2026

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