Medicare Savings Programs are called MSPs. They are state-run programs that can help eligible people pay some Medicare costs. The names are a mouthful. The useful part is simpler: your state may be able to help with a Part A or Part B premium, and some programs help with other cost sharing too.
The four short names
- QMB. May help with Part A and Part B premiums plus Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
- SLMB. Helps eligible people with the Part B premium.
- QI. Also helps with the Part B premium. Funding and renewal rules matter.
- QDWI. A narrower program that may help certain working people with disabilities pay a Part A premium.
You do not need to memorize these. Say “Medicare Savings Program” when you call the state Medicaid office.
Do not use last year’s limit
Federal income and resource limits can change each year. States can use rules that are more generous than the federal chart, and some states do not count the same things. That is why Medicare says to apply even if you do not think you qualify.
Say: “Please screen me for every Medicare Savings Program, not just one.”
Where the application goes
Apply through your state Medicaid agency. The Medicare MSP page has a “contact your state” link. You can also ask your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program, called SHIP, for free one-on-one Medicare help.
Make a clean little packet
- Your Medicare card and recent premium notice.
- Proof of income, such as Social Security or pension letters.
- Recent information about bank accounts or other resources if the state asks.
- Health insurance cards and Medicaid notices.
- Proof of address and identity.
Ask the state for its exact list. Never send original papers unless the office clearly tells you to and gives you a safe way to do it.
QMB has an extra protection
If you qualify for QMB, Medicare providers are not allowed to bill you for Medicare-covered services and items for the Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. A small Medicaid copay may apply. If a provider sends a bill anyway, do not toss it. Use Medicare’s QMB billing-help steps.
MSP may open another door
People in an MSP also get Extra Help with Medicare drug costs. Keep every approval letter. Show the cards and notices your providers ask to see.
An MSP is not the same as a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap policy. It is help from your state with Medicare costs.
If the state says no
Check which program it tested, what income and resources it counted, and which month it used. Ask how to appeal or provide a missing paper. Limits move, so it can make sense to check again after a life change or a new calendar year.
Where we checked
Go straight to the source
- Medicare Savings ProgramsOfficial 2026 program types, limits, QMB billing protection, and state contacts.
- Medicare cost helpOfficial hub for MSPs, drug help, and other cost programs.
- SHIP help locatorFederally supported state counseling program for free Medicare help.
We link to the official office when one exists. A link is not an endorsement, and we do not control outside sites.
