Could You Qualify for a Medicare Savings Program in 2026? A Guide for Maine & New Hampshire

Income Limits, Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply

If you're enrolled in Medicare and living on a fixed income, you could be missing out on one of the most valuable assistance programs available.

Every year, we meet retirees who tell us things like:

"I know I make too much to qualify."

or

"Those programs are for someone worse off than me."

The truth is, many people who qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) never apply simply because they don't know it exists or assume they won't qualify.

If you're eligible, a Medicare Savings Program could save you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars each year by helping pay certain Medicare costs. Even if you aren't sure you qualify, it's often worth taking a closer look.

What Is a Medicare Savings Program?

A Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is a state-administered program that helps eligible Medicare beneficiaries pay some of their Medicare expenses.

Depending on the program you qualify for, it may help pay for:

• Your Medicare Part B premium

• Your Medicare Part A premium (if you owe one)

• Medicare deductibles

• Coinsurance

• Copayments

Many people who qualify also automatically receive Extra Help, a federal program that lowers Medicare prescription drug costs.

The Three Main Medicare Savings Programs

Although they're often grouped together, there are three primary Medicare Savings Programs available to most Medicare beneficiaries.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

The QMB program offers the most comprehensive level of assistance.

If you qualify, it may help pay for:

• Medicare Part A premium (if applicable)

• Medicare Part B premium

• Medicare deductibles

• Medicare coinsurance

• Medicare copayments

If you're enrolled in QMB, Medicare providers generally cannot bill you for Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. You'll also automatically qualify for Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug costs.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)

The SLMB program helps pay your Medicare Part B premium.

If you qualify, you'll also receive Extra Help for prescription drug costs.

Qualifying Individual (QI)

The QI program also helps pay your Medicare Part B premium.

Unlike the other programs, funding for QI is limited each year, and you must reapply annually if you remain eligible. People who qualified the previous year generally receive priority.

2026 Federal Medicare Savings Program Income Limits

The federal government establishes standard income and resource guidelines each year. However, states may use different eligibility rules or disregard certain income and assets, so don't assume you don't qualify based only on these numbers.

Program	Individual	Married Couple
QMB	$1,350/month	$1,824/month
SLMB	$1,616/month	$2,184/month
QI	$1,816/month	$2,455/month

Federal resource limits (where applicable):

• Individual: $9,950

• Married Couple: $14,910 

Medicare Savings Programs in Maine

Maine has recently expanded access to Medicare Savings Programs.

As of recent state law changes:

• Maine no longer applies an asset test when determining eligibility for its Medicare Savings Program.

• The state also established higher income eligibility thresholds than the traditional federal minimums, allowing more Medicare beneficiaries to qualify.

This means many Maine residents who previously assumed they were ineligible may now qualify for assistance.

Medicare Savings Programs in New Hampshire

New Hampshire administers its own Medicare Savings Programs through the state Medicaid agency.

Eligibility is based on state and federal guidelines, and your financial situation is reviewed as part of the application process. Even if you believe your income or savings may be too high, it's still worth having your situation evaluated because eligibility rules can be more nuanced than many people realize.

A Common Misconception

One of the biggest myths we hear is:

"I know I won't qualify."

Sometimes that's true.

But many times, it isn't.

We've worked with individuals who assumed they made too much money or had too much in savings, only to discover they qualified after taking a closer look at their overall situation.

Every person's circumstances are different, which is why we encourage people not to rule themselves out before having their eligibility reviewed.

Why This Program Matters

For someone living on a fixed retirement income, even saving the monthly Medicare Part B premium can make a meaningful difference.

Depending on the program you qualify for, Medicare Savings Programs may also reduce or eliminate other Medicare out-of-pocket costs while automatically qualifying you for Extra Help with prescription drug expenses.

Those savings can help make room in your budget for groceries, utilities, prescriptions, or other everyday expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Medicare Savings Program?

A Medicare Savings Program is a state-administered program that helps eligible Medicare beneficiaries pay certain Medicare costs, such as premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, depending on the program.

Who qualifies for a Medicare Savings Program?

Eligibility depends on factors such as your income, resources, and the state where you live. Because states may use different eligibility rules, it's important not to assume you don't qualify without checking.

Will I automatically receive Extra Help for prescription drug costs?

If you qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you'll generally also qualify for Extra Help, which lowers the cost of Medicare prescription drugs.

Do I need to own very little to qualify?

Not necessarily. Some states have eliminated or modified their resource requirements. For example, Maine no longer applies an asset test for its Medicare Savings Program.

Does my home count as an asset?

In many situations, your primary residence is not counted when determining eligibility. Eligibility rules can vary by state, so it's best to have your specific situation reviewed.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through your state's Medicaid agency, not through Medicare itself. If you're unsure where to start, Hometown Senior Solutions can help point you in the right direction.

Should I apply if I don't think I'll qualify?

Yes. Medicare itself encourages people to apply even if they believe their income or resources may be above the federal limits because many states use different eligibility rules.

Don't Assume You Don't Qualify

One of the most rewarding conversations we have is telling someone they may qualify for benefits they didn't know existed.

The Medicare Savings Program has helped many retirees reduce their Medicare costs and make their monthly budgets a little easier to manage. While not everyone will qualify, many people are surprised to learn they do.

If you're enrolled in Medicare and wondering whether you may be eligible for a Medicare Savings Program or Extra Help, our team at Hometown Senior Solutions is happy to review your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.