The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program helps low-income seniors pay for Medicare costs. In 2026, income limits are about $1,350 per month for individuals and $1,824 for married couples.
The program covers Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments at no cost to you.
Quick Summary:
- Individual income limit: $1,350/month ($16,200/year)
- Couple income limit: $1,824/month ($21,888/year)
- Asset limits: $9,950 (individual) or $14,910 (couple)
- QMB covers Medicare Part A and Part B costs
- 12 states have no asset test requirement
- New family size rules start April 1, 2026
What Is the QMB Program?
QMB is a Medicare Savings Program run by state Medicaid agencies. It pays your Medicare costs if you have limited income.
QMB covers:
- Medicare Part B premiums ($202.90/month in 2026)
- Medicare Part A premiums (if you pay them)
- All deductibles for Part A and Part B
- All copayments and coinsurance
You pay nothing out of pocket for Medicare-covered services.
2026 QMB Income Limits
Income limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). States add a $20 monthly disregard to your income.
| Category | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $1,350 | $16,200 |
| Married Couple | $1,824 | $21,888 |
Higher limits apply in:
- Alaska: $1,650 (individual) / $2,223 (couple)
- Hawaii: $1,520 (individual) / $2,047 (couple)
These limits are 100% of the federal poverty level.
2026 QMB Asset Limits
You must have limited resources to qualify for QMB.
| Category | Asset Limit (2026) |
|---|---|
| Individual | $9,950 |
| Married Couple | $14,910 |
Countable assets include:
- Bank accounts (checking and savings)
- Stocks and bonds
- IRAs and other retirement accounts
- Second homes or investment property
Exempt assets (not counted):
- Your primary home
- One vehicle
- Household goods and personal items
- Wedding and engagement rings
- Burial funds up to $1,500 per person
- Life insurance with face value under $1,500
States With No Asset Test (2026)
Twelve states do not check your assets when you apply. You only need to meet income limits.
States with no asset test:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Vermont
If you live in one of these states, qualifying is easier.
States With Higher Income Limits
Some states have income limits above the federal standard.
Examples:
- Connecticut: $2,752 (individual) / $3,719 (couple)
- District of Columbia: $3,240 (individual) / $4,375 (couple)
Check with your state Medicaid agency for exact limits. Rules vary by state, similar to Medicaid income limits by state 2026.
California’s 2026 Asset Limit Change
California reinstated asset testing on January 1, 2026.
New California limits:
- Individual: $130,000
- Married couple: $195,000
These are much higher than federal limits. California residents have more flexibility with savings.
New Family Size Rule (April 2026)
Starting April 1, 2026, a federal policy change affects eligibility.
What’s changing:
States must now count dependent relatives in your household. This applies if you provide more than half their financial support.
Example:
If you support an adult child or grandchild, they count toward your family size. This raises your income limit, making it easier to qualify.
This aligns QMB with Part D Extra Help rules.
QMB Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for QMB in 2026, you must meet these criteria:
- Have Medicare Part A coverage
- Meet income limits (100% FPL with $20 disregard)
- Meet asset limits (unless your state has no test)
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
- Live in the state where you apply
You do not need to be receiving Social Security. Medicare entitlement alone is enough.
General Medicaid eligibility 2026 rules also apply since QMB is a Medicaid program.
How Income Is Counted
QMB uses specific rules to calculate your income.
Income disregards:
- First $20/month of unearned income (Social Security, pensions)
- First $65/month of earned income (wages)
- Half of remaining earned income
Example:
You receive $1,200 in Social Security and earn $200 from part-time work.
- Social Security: $1,200 – $20 = $1,180
- Wages: $200 – $65 = $135 ÷ 2 = $67.50
- Total countable income: $1,247.50
You would qualify as an individual ($1,247.50 < $1,350).
Benefits of QMB Coverage
When you enroll in QMB, you get these protections:
1. No Medicare premiums
The state pays your Part B premium automatically.
2. No out-of-pocket costs
You have zero liability for deductibles and copays.
3. Balance billing protection
Providers cannot bill you for Medicare-covered services.
4. Automatic Extra Help
You qualify for Part D prescription drug assistance. This caps your drug costs at $2,100 per year in 2026.
QMB is the most comprehensive Medicare Savings Program.
How to Apply for QMB in 2026
Applications are handled by your state Medicaid office, not Social Security.
Step 1: Find your state agency
Visit Medicare.gov/savings-programs or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Step 2: Gather documents
You will need:
- Medicare card
- Social Security number
- Proof of income (award letters, pay stubs)
- Bank statements (last 2-3 months)
- Documentation of other assets
Step 3: Submit your application
You can apply online, by mail, or in person. Each state has different processes, similar to how to apply for Medicaid.
Step 4: Wait for decision
States have 45-90 days to process applications.
Step 5: Get help if needed
Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free application help.
QMB vs Other Medicare Savings Programs
QMB offers the most benefits among Medicare Savings Programs.
| Program | Income Limit | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| QMB | 100% FPL | Premiums + all cost-sharing |
| SLMB | 100-120% FPL | Part B premiums only |
| QI | 120-135% FPL | Part B premiums only |
If you are over the QMB limit, you might qualify for SLMB or QI.
Common QMB Questions (2026)
1. What is the QMB income limit for 2026?
The QMB income limit is $1,350 per month for individuals and $1,824 for married couples in most states. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. Some states like Connecticut and DC set their own higher thresholds.
2. Does QMB count my house and car as assets?
No. Your primary home and one vehicle are exempt from the asset test. QMB only counts liquid assets like bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Twelve states have eliminated the asset test entirely.
3. Can I have QMB and Part D Extra Help at the same time?
Yes. QMB enrollment automatically qualifies you for Part D Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy). This caps your prescription drug costs at $2,100 annually in 2026 with minimal or no copays per prescription.
4. Will QMB cover my Medicare Advantage plan costs?
Yes. If you have Medicare Advantage, QMB pays your plan premium (if any) and covers cost-sharing for Medicare-covered services. Check with your plan about how QMB benefits apply to your specific coverage.
5. How does the April 2026 family size rule affect eligibility?
Starting April 1, 2026, dependent relatives you financially support count toward household size. This raises your income threshold, making qualification easier if you support adult children, grandchildren, or other dependents living with you.
6. Do I need to reapply for QMB every year?
Most states require annual renewal, though some have moved to multi-year renewals. Your state will send a renewal packet before your coverage expires. Complete it promptly to avoid losing benefits. Some states auto-renew if circumstances haven’t changed.
Official Resources
- Medicare Savings Programs: Medicare.gov/savings-programs
- State Medicaid Offices: Medicaid.gov/state-overviews
- SHIP Locator: Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov
Last Updated: January 2026
