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Medicaid is a health insurance program for people with low income. Medicare is health insurance for people age 65+ and certain people with disabilities.
The Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are a sub-set of Medicaid, designed to help people with low income afford their Medicare costs.
Learn about the four Medicare Savings Programs, what they cover, who is eligible, and how to apply.Medicare and Medicaid are two distinct government health insurance programs, each serving different populations and purposes. Run by the states, Medicaid pays for a broad range of medical services for people with low income and limited resources. Medicare, in contrast, is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older. Certain people with disabilities can also qualify to enroll in Medicare.
While these two programs are different, they’re also intertwined. Medicaid administers the federally funded Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), which help certain people with low income cover some of the costs associated with their Medicare coverage.
There are four Medicare Savings Programs, each with different income and resource eligibility limits. These are the MSP eligibility limits for 2023:
1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): People may qualify if they have income less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and resources under $9,090 if single, $13,630 if married. For those eligible, QMB will cover the Medicare premiums (Part A, if applicable, and Part B), deductibles, copayments and/or coinsurance. Monthly income limits include a $20 general income disregard; Alaska and Hawaii have slightly higher limits:
2. Specified Low-Income Beneficiary (SLMB): Older adults and adults with disabilities may qualify if they have income between 100-120% FPL and resources under $9,090 if single, $13,630 if married. For those eligible, SLMB will cover the Medicare Part B premium ($174.70 in 2024). Monthly income limits include a $20 general income disregard; residents of Alaska and Hawaii have slightly higher income limits:
3. Qualifying Individual (QI): QI is a limited program and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. People with Medicare may qualify if they have income between 120-135% FPL and resources under $9,090 if single, $13,630 if married. For those eligible, QI will cover the Medicare Part B premium ($174.70 in 2024). Monthly income limits include a $20 general income disregard; Alaska and Hawaii have slightly higher limits:
4. Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI): Adults who are under age 65 and have a disability but who recently returned to work and are no longer eligible for premium-free Part A may qualify for QDWI. Their income must be at or below 200% FPL and their resources under $4,000 if single, $6,000 if married. However, there are additional earned income disregards that raise the income ceiling for QDWI up to 400% FPL. For those eligible, QDWI will cover the Part A premium. Monthly income limits include a $20 general income disregard and a $65 earned income disregard; Alaska and Hawaii have slightly higher limits:
Note: The limits above are federal guidelines. Some states may choose to increase these federal guideline amounts or eliminate the resource test all together. Refer to your state eligibility rules.
Older adults and younger adults with disabilities who may not qualify for full Medicaid may still be able to enroll in one of the Medicare Savings Programs. There are two major advantages to doing so:
If you believe you or someone you know may qualify for these programs, you can get assistance from:
Medicare covers a wide range of services to keep older adults healthy as they age. Learn more about the different parts, how to enroll, what it may cost, and what services are covered.
