Key Takeaways

  • For some older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions, the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare can add up quickly.

  • Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are Medicaid-run programs that help cover Medicare premiums and other cost-sharing expenses for people with low income.

  • MSP eligibility is income-based, and these income guidelines may vary from state to state. Check with your state’s Medicaid agency for details.

For adults age 65 and older, Medicare provides important health care coverage. But there are out-of-pocket (OOP) costs to consider. While most people won’t pay a premium for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance); Part B (Doctor Visits) does have a monthly premium. There are other OOP costs as well, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

For older adults with chronic health issues, these costs can really add up during the year. And unless you have a Medigap policy or Medicare Advantage plan, there's no annual limit on what you pay out of pocket.

So what do you do if you’re barely making ends meet? Can you get help paying your Medicare OOP costs? The answer is yes. If you have limited income and assets, Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) will help cover your Medicare OOP costs. Not only can this help ease your financial worries; it will make it easier to get the care you need to stay healthy.

What are Medicare Savings Programs?

Medicare Savings Programs are special benefit programs sponsored by state Medicaid agencies. Also referred to as Medicare Buy-In Programs or Medicare Premium Payment Programs, they are designed to relieve some out-of-pocket Medicare expenses for people in need.

There are four different MSPs. Depending on which one you join, they can help you pay for your Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and/or copayments for covered services:

The program names may differ slightly in some states. Each MSP has unique benefits and eligibility guidelines. You cannot choose which program you want to enroll in. Instead, you will be enrolled in the one most closely matched to your income, assets, and other details provided on your application.

Is a Medicare Savings Program the same as Medicaid?

No. Medicaid is a health insurance benefit for people with limited incomes. It pays for a broad range of medical services and limits OOP costs for eligible adults, older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. MSPs are a specific subset of Medicaid benefits that help pay for the costs of Medicare.

What are the advantages of a Medicare Savings Program?

There are two main advantages of enrolling in an MSP:

  • Save money on your Medicare OOP costs. Three of the four MSPs cover the Medicare Part B premium, which in 2023 is $164.90 a month for most people. Enrollment in an MSP could save you $1,978.80 each year. If you’re living on a fixed income, this extra financial assistance can give you added peace of mind and more room in your budget for essentials like food and utilities.
  • Get automatic Extra Help. Enrollment in an MSP automatically makes you eligible to receive the Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS/Extra Help). This benefit helps pay for prescription drugs and is estimated by the Social Security Administration to have an annual value of $5,300. Plus, if you’re not already enrolled in Medicare Part D, you will have no late enrollment penalty if you receive Extra Help.

Who qualifies for Medicare Savings Programs?

You must have at least Medicare Part A and meet your state’s income and asset limits to qualify for an MSP. What are assets? They include resources like real estate, mutual funds, stocks and bonds, retirement accounts, and savings and checking accounts.

Income and asset limits vary across states. Before they approve you for an MSP, many states require you to apply for any benefits you might qualify for (such as Social Security retirement benefits).

What is the income limit for Medicare Savings Programs?

Most U.S. states use the general guidelines below, but some states may set higher income limits or waive the asset guidelines altogether. These limits are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines and change each year. New limits are released in January or February, with an effective date of Jan. 1.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

Monthly income limit

Asset limit

Individual

$1,235

$9,090

Married couple

$1,663

$13,630

Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)

Monthly income limit

Asset limit

Individual

$1,478

$9,090

Married couple

$1,992

$13,630

Qualifying Individual (QI)

Monthly income limit

Asset limit

Individual

$1,660

$9,090

Married couple

$2,239

$13,630

Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI) Program

Monthly income limit

Asset limit

Individual

$4,945

$4,000

Married couple

$6,659

$6,000

All of the MSPs in all states include a $20 general income disregard, which means the first $20 of your monthly income is not counted toward the income limit. If you receive food assistance (food stamps) through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), those funds are also not counted.  

While your state may or may not count certain assets to determine your eligibility for an MSP, some assets are excluded across all states. These include your primary home, one car, burial plots, and life insurance with a cash value of less than $1,500.

States may apply different standards and methods in determining eligibility for MSPs. Be sure to refer to the specific eligibility guidelines for your state.

How do I apply for Medicare Savings Programs?

You must apply for MSPs through your state’s Medicaid office. To find out if you qualify for one of the four programs, you can:

  • Contact your state’s Medicaid agency directly. You can find the contact information for your state on the Medicaid website.
  • Reach out to your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIPs provide free, unbiased guidance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families. They can help you apply for the MSPs and Part D Low Income Subsidy/Extra Help. Find your SHIP by visiting the program website or by calling 1-877-839-2675.
  • Visit BenefitsCheckUp®, our free online tool that can help you find all the money-saving benefits programs you qualify for, including Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Programs. Find out if you can get financial assistance with your groceries, utility bills, property taxes, and more—so you can age better and worry less.

Need help understanding your Medicare options?

Trying to navigate your many Medicare choices can feel confusing and overwhelming. But you’re not alone in this process. NCOA has partnered with licensed brokers who are committed to helping consumers like you make educated decisions about their Medicare coverage. These partners all meet our rigorous Standards of Excellence (learn more about these important standards here). This means you can be confident their advice will be:

  • Free
  • Unbiased
  • Practical
  • Knowledgeable
  • Straightforward
  • Based on your unique needs
  • 100% confidential

Visit our easy-to-use Age Well Planner resource to connect with one of our knowledgeable and experienced Medicare advisors. They will ask you about your health care needs and lifestyle, explain the different Medicare choices available to you, and answer any questions you may have. You can also get a no-cost estimate for your annual Medicare costs.