How to Get Help Paying Your Medicare Part B Premium

For millions of American seniors, the monthly Social Security check is their primary source of income. But every month, a significant chunk of that check is missing before it even hits their bank account. That deduction is the Medicare Part B premium, which as of 2026 is $202.90 or more per month.

Over a full year, that adds up to more than $2,400. For anyone living on a fixed income, that is enough money to pay for weeks of groceries, winter utilities, or dental work. Fortunately, the federal government offers programs designed to pay this premium for you, putting that money back into your monthly check.

In this guide, we will break down the rules for these programs—known as Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)—in plain, clear language. We will also look at how to get help paying for your prescription drugs. To see if you meet the eligibility limits right now, use our secure, free benefits eligibility check.

What are Medicare Savings Programs?

Medicare Savings Programs are state-administered, federally funded programs that help seniors with limited income and assets pay their Medicare costs. If you qualify for one of these programs, the state Medicaid agency will pay your monthly Part B premium. Your Social Security check will stop being deducted, and your monthly take-home benefit will increase by $202.90 or more.

You can read all official program details directly on the Medicare.gov Savings Page.

There are three main programs for seniors who are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B:

1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

QMB is the most comprehensive program. It is designed for seniors with the lowest incomes. If you qualify for QMB:

• The state pays your monthly Part B premium.
• The state pays your Medicare Part A premium (if you have one).
• Doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare are legally forbidden from billing you for Medicare-covered deductibles, co-pays, or co-insurance. You pay $0 for your medical care.

As of 2026, the monthly income limit for QMB is 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (plus a standard $20 income disregard), and the asset limit is approximately $9,900 for a single person and $14,800 for a married couple.

2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)

If your income is slightly too high for QMB, you may qualify for SLMB. This program pays your monthly Medicare Part B premium, putting the $202.90 back into your check. However, it does not cover your deductibles or co-pays; you will still be responsible for the standard 20% Medicare co-insurance.

The income limit for SLMB is between 100% and 120% of the Federal Poverty Level. The asset limits are the same as QMB ($9,900 for an individual and $14,800 for a couple in 2026).

3. Qualifying Individual (QI)

QI has the highest income limit of the three programs. Like SLMB, it pays only your monthly Part B premium.

The income limit for QI is between 120% and 135% of the Federal Poverty Level. The asset limits are the same as QMB. Note that QI is a block-grant program, meaning it has limited funding each year. Benefits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and you must reapply every year.

If you live in a state like Florida or Texas, you can see how these programs are implemented locally in our state guides, such as Florida Senior Benefits or Texas Senior Benefits.

Do My Assets Count Against Me?

Many seniors assume they cannot qualify for these programs because they own a home. This is a common and costly misunderstanding.

Under federal rules, your primary home (the house you live in) does not count toward the asset limit, no matter its value. Additionally, one vehicle (your car) is completely excluded from the asset test.

Assets that do count toward the limit include:

• Money in checking or savings accounts.
• Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
• Secondary property or land that you do not live on.

If you have high medical bills but your assets are slightly over the limit, it is still worth checking. Several states (such as California, New York, and Massachusetts) have completely eliminated the asset test for Medicare Savings Programs, meaning only your monthly income is counted!

Extra Help: Saving on Prescription Drug Costs

If you qualify for any of the three Medicare Savings Programs, you are automatically enrolled in the Extra Help program (also known as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy). Extra Help is administered by the Social Security Administration and helps pay for your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

Extra Help provides massive savings:

• It pays your monthly Part D plan premium.
• It lowers your drug deductibles to $0.
• It caps your brand-name and generic prescription drug co-pays at very low amounts (just a few dollars per prescription).
• It completely eliminates the Medicare coverage gap (the "donut hole").

You can read more about Extra Help and apply directly on the official Social Security Administration website.

How to Apply for Medicare Part B Premium Help

If you are ready to claim this help, the application process depends on your state:

1. Apply Through Your State Medicaid Agency: Because Medicare Savings Programs are run by state Medicaid systems, you must submit an application through your state’s health portal (like ACCESS Florida or Your Texas Benefits).
2. Apply Through Social Security: When you apply for the Extra Help program at ssa.gov, you can opt-in to have Social Security share your information with your state Medicaid agency, which automatically starts your Medicare Savings Program application.
3. Keep Your Paperwork Ready: You will need your Medicare card, proof of income (such as your tax return or benefit letter), and bank statements showing your current balances.

If you are helping a family member or parent navigate this process, we have a helpful guide on how to help your elderly parent claim benefits that provides a complete document checklist.

Do not let $202.90 a month stay in the government's hands if you have earned it. Take five minutes to run our free, anonymous benefits checker to see if you can claim your Medicare savings today.