What is the Medicare Savings Program?

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs that help people with limited income pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. There are four levels: QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI. Eligibility is based on income and assets. You apply through your state Medicaid office — in New Jersey, through NJ FamilyCare.

What is QMB and who qualifies?

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program is the most comprehensive Medicare Savings Program. It pays your Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. In 2026, you may qualify if your monthly income is at or below approximately $1,235 (individual) or $1,663 (couple). Asset limits apply and vary by state. QMB also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help with drug costs.

What is Extra Help for Medicare drug costs?

Extra Help (also called the Low Income Subsidy or LIS) is a federal program that reduces or eliminates out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D prescription drugs. In 2026 you may qualify with income up to about $22,590 (individual) or $30,660 (couple). People with Extra Help pay little or nothing for covered drugs. Apply through Social Security at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What is SLMB and how does it differ from QMB?

The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays only your Part B monthly premium ($185/month in 2026). It is available to people with slightly higher income than QMB — roughly 100–120% of the Federal Poverty Level. SLMB also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help with drug costs, which can save hundreds per year.

Can I get Medicare Supplement if I have low income?

Yes, and it may still make sense depending on your situation. If you qualify for QMB, that program covers your cost-sharing already, so a Medigap plan would overlap. However, if you do not qualify for MSPs and are worried about unpredictable medical bills, a Medicare Supplement plan with a predictable monthly premium may provide peace of mind. Call 855-559-1700 to talk through your specific situation — there is no cost to get guidance.

How do I apply for Medicare Savings Programs in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, apply for Medicare Savings Programs through NJ FamilyCare at njfamilycare.org or call 1-800-701-0710. You can also get free help from NJ SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) at 1-800-792-8820. An independent broker like EasyKind Medicare can also help you understand which programs you may qualify for before you apply.

Medicare Help for People on a Fixed Income (2026)

By Anthony Orner, Licensed Medicare Insurance Broker · Updated March 2026

If cost is your primary concern with Medicare, you are not alone — and there are real programs designed to help. Many people who qualify for these programs never apply because they do not know they exist.

These are federal and state programs — not insurance products. They are free to apply for and can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year in Medicare costs.

Programs at a Glance (2026)

Program	What It Pays	Income Limit (approx.)	Drug Help?
QMB Qualified Medicare Beneficiary	Part A & B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance	~100% FPL (~$1,235/mo individual)	Yes — automatic Extra Help
SLMB Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary	Part B premium only ($185/mo)	100–120% FPL (~$1,235–$1,480/mo)	Yes — automatic Extra Help
QI Qualifying Individual	Part B premium only	120–135% FPL (~$1,480–$1,660/mo)	Yes — automatic Extra Help
Extra Help Low Income Subsidy (LIS)	Part D drug costs — copays, deductibles, premiums	Up to ~150% FPL (~$1,843/mo)	This IS the drug help program

Income limits are approximate and updated annually. Asset limits also apply. Contact your state Medicaid office for exact 2026 figures. Source: Medicare.gov

How to Apply

Extra Help (drug costs)

Apply at ssa.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Takes about 30 minutes online.

www.ssa.gov/extrahelp

QMB / SLMB / QI (Medicare Savings Programs)

Apply through your state Medicaid office. In NJ: NJFamilyCare.org or 1-800-701-0710. In PA: compass.state.pa.us or 1-800-692-7462.

www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/medicare-savings-programs

Free counseling via SHIP

Your state's free Medicare counseling program can walk you through eligibility. NJ SHIP: 1-800-792-8820. PA APPRISE: 1-800-783-7067.

www.shiphelp.org

Not Sure What You Qualify For? Call Free — 855-559-1700

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EasyKind Medicare is an independent brokerage and is not affiliated with Medicare, CMS, SSA, or any government agency.