Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs: 2026 limits

If your income and savings are limited, two programs can cut your Medicare costs a lot. Many people who qualify never apply. The limits below are 2026 federal figures for most states; Alaska and Hawaii are higher, and some states are more generous.

Extra Help (for prescriptions)

Extra Help, also called the Low-Income Subsidy, lowers Part D premiums, deductibles and copays. In 2026 you may qualify if you have:

• Income up to $23,940 a year if single, or $32,460 if married and living together.
• Resources up to $18,090 if single, or $36,100 if married. Your home, one car and personal belongings don't count.

With Extra Help, 2026 copays for covered drugs are at most $5.10 for generics and $12.65 for brand-name drugs. Apply through Social Security, online or by phone.

Medicare Savings Programs (for premiums)

State Medicaid programs that pay Medicare premiums, and sometimes deductibles and copays. 2026 federal monthly income limits:

• QMB (pays Part A and B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copays): $1,350 single, $1,824 married.
• SLMB (pays the Part B premium): $1,616 single, $2,184 married.
• QI (pays the Part B premium): $1,816 single, $2,455 married.

The federal resource limit for all three is $9,950 single or $14,910 married, but many states use higher limits or don't count resources at all. Apply through your state Medicaid office. If you're in QMB, providers can't bill you for Medicare copays: see QMB billing protections.

You may get Extra Help automatically

If you have full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you qualify for Extra Help without applying separately.

Free help applying

Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can check whether you qualify and help with both applications at no cost.