Programs That Pay Medicare Part B Premium
Three Medicare Savings Programs pay your Part B premium. Which one you qualify for depends on your income:
QMB
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
$1,350/mo single, $1,824/mo couple
Pays Part B premium AND Part A premium, deductibles, and all copays. Most comprehensive program. Income must be at or below $1,350/month for a single person.
QMB income limits & details →
SLMB
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
$1,616/mo single, $2,184/mo couple
Pays Part B premium only ($185.00/month). Income between $1,351 and $1,616/month for a single person.
SLMB income limits & details →
QI
Qualifying Individual
$1,816/mo single, $2,455/mo couple
Pays Part B premium only. Income between $1,617 and $1,816/month. Must reapply every year. Funded on first-come, first-served basis.
All three programs also qualify you for Extra Help. Enrolling in QMB, SLMB, or QI automatically qualifies you for Extra Help with Medicare Part D prescription drug costs — saving you hundreds more per year on medications.
How to Apply for Part B Premium Help
Apply through your state Medicaid agency. Benefits can often be backdated up to 3 months. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for free help finding your state agency and applying.