The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program is one of four types of Medicare Savings Programs. The QMB Program is also the most comprehensive of the four, as it helps individuals with limited income and assets pay not only for Medicare Part A and B premiums, but also for deductibles and co-payments. This fall, a new rule will ensure that many more people gain access to this valuable program.
What Are Medicare Savings Programs?
Medicare, as a federal health insurance program, helps cover health care costs for tens of millions of people across the United States. However, Medicare is not free. Those who enroll in the program still pay premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and for other out-of-pocket health expenses. This is where Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) can prove essential; they specifically seek to help Medicare recipients who have limited income and resources cover these costs.
State Medicaid agencies run the various MSPs, so the requirements to qualify can differ to some extent depending on where you live.
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program
The QMB Program assists low-income Medicare recipients in paying for Part A and Part B premiums as well as deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance for services covered by Parts A and B.
Note that Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and other select services. Most people do not have to pay monthly Medicare Part A premiums. However, the annual deductible for 2026 equals $1,736.
Part B, which covers outpatient medical care, comes with a monthly premium of $202.90 and $283 annual deductible as of 2026. As mentioned above, other costs include coinsurance and copays.
To be eligible for the QMB program, an individual typically must have Medicare Part A coverage and gross income less than $1,380 per month (in Mississippi). In addition, some states require that an individual’s resources fall below a specific dollar amount. For example, in Tennessee, an individual must have no more than $9,950 in countable assets. Other states, including Mississippi, have no such asset limits.
Many people are struggling to cover their Medicare costs. Visit the Medicare website to see whether you might qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. Millions of people nationwide could benefit from one or more of these programs. And a retired person in Mississippi with Medicare Part A and less than $1,380 per month in income may qualify for free Medicare supplement insurance through the QMB Medicaid program.
If you believe you might be eligible for the QMB program or another MSP, contact your state Medicaid agency or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) for more information.
You also can connect with your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIPs offer objective guidance on Medicare programs and your rights under the program.
In addition, you may wish to seek out your elder law attorney for insights into what Medicare Savings Program options may be available to you.