Medicare Savings Programs

Some people with limited income and resources may qualify for help with Medicare premiums and, in some cases, deductibles and copayments.

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What is available through these programs

Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI) are run through state Medicaid agencies. Depending on the program, they may help pay the Part B premium and, for QMB, certain Medicare cost-sharing. Eligibility is not guaranteed and limits change.

How this relates to Extra Help

Some people who qualify for a Medicare Savings Program also get Extra Help with Part D. How to apply is on Extra Help. How Extra Help, these programs, and Medi-Cal differ is on Can I pay less for Medicare?.

Next step

Use the Medicare Savings Programs screener for a 2026 California estimate, then apply through BenefitsCal or your county. We will not tell you that you “will qualify” — only that it may be worth checking. Confirm current limits with DHCS.

Want the full story? Get my book. Medicare 2026: Choose the Right Plan & Avoid Costly Mistakes walks through how Medicare is built. It does not pick a plan.

Screener

Medicare Savings Programs screener

California 2026 QMB, SLMB, and QI estimate. Apply through Medi-Cal.

Read: Can I pay less for Medicare?

Medicare Savings Programs are Medi-Cal programs that may pay your Part B premium — and, for QMB, certain Medicare deductibles and copays. This estimate uses California DHCS 2026 figures. The county decides. This website cannot say that you qualify.

QMB — may pay Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copays (limit $1,330.00 / $1,804.00 a month)
SLMB — may pay the Part B premium (limit $1,596.00 / $2,165.00)
QI — may pay the Part B premium; limited slots; generally not combined with full Medi-Cal (limit $1,796.00 / $2,436.00)

HouseholdMonthly income (before taxes)California 2026 published monthly limits (individual): QMB $1,330.00, SLMB $1,596.00, QI $1,796.00. This estimate subtracts the usual $20 general disregard.Countable resources (bank accounts, cash, extra vehicles)California 2026 resource limit (individual): $130,000.00. Your home and usually one car do not count. Confirm with Medi-Cal.

Enter income and resources to see which program this 2026 estimate is closest to. Leave a field blank to treat it as $0.

How to apply. Use BenefitsCal, your county social services office, or DHCS Medicare Savings Programs. In Los Angeles County, call Aging & Disabilities at 800-510-2020 or California HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 (TTY 711).

Screener

Medi-Cal screener (65+ / disabled)

California 2026 Aged & Disabled estimate for people with Medicare. Apply through the county.

Read: Can I pay less for Medicare?

This estimate is for Californians who are 65 or older, or who meet Social Security’s disability rules — the usual path for people who already have Medicare. It is not MAGI Medi-Cal for adults under 65. The county decides. This website cannot say that you qualify.

Aged & Disabled FPL (no share of cost): 138% FPL — $1,836.00 / $2,490.00 a month (April 2026 DHCS chart)
Resource limit: $130,000.00 individual / $195,000.00 couple (reinstated January 1, 2026)
Over the A&D FPL income limit, Medi-Cal with a share of cost may still be possible. This tool does not calculate a share-of-cost dollar amount.

HouseholdI am 65 or older, or I meet Social Security’s definition of disability.I receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income).Monthly income (before taxes)A&D FPL limit (individual): $1,836.00. This estimate subtracts the usual $20 general disregard.Countable resources2026 California non- resource limit (individual): $130,000.00. Home and usually one car do not count. SSI-linked Medi-Cal uses a much lower SSI resource test.

Enter income and resources to see which 2026 path this estimate is closest to. Leave a field blank to treat it as $0.

How to apply. Use BenefitsCal or your county social services office. Read DHCS Medi-Cal. In Los Angeles County, call Aging & Disabilities at 800-510-2020 or California HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 (TTY 711). For Part B premium help only, use the Medicare Savings Programs screener.

ScreenerExtra Help screenerSee whether 2026 Extra Help income and resource limits might apply. Social Security decides.

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