As people age, they may require different types of healthcare to maintain their health and well-being. Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers healthcare services for people over the age of 65 and those with certain disabilities. Medicare has several parts, including Part B, which covers outpatient medical services such as doctor visits, medical equipment, and preventive care. The term “Part B Giveback” actually refers to two different things, which often get confused:
- The Part B Giveback offered by some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans — a feature where a private insurer uses plan rebates to reduce your Part B premium. Eligibility depends on the plan’s service area, not on your income. (See our Part B Giveback Benefit page for details.)
- The Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) — state-administered programs (run through your state’s Medicaid agency) that help lower-income beneficiaries pay their Part B premium and, in some cases, deductibles and coinsurance. This post focuses on the MSPs.
What is a Medicare Savings Program?
The Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are federal programs administered by each state’s Medicaid agency. They help qualifying individuals pay for their Medicare Part B premium — which is $202.90 per month in 2026 — and, depending on the specific program, may also help with Part A premiums (if applicable), deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. The MSPs are available to individuals who have limited income and resources.
There are four MSPs:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Helps pay Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Helps pay the Part B premium.
- Qualifying Individual (QI): Helps pay the Part B premium (first-come, first-served annual basis).
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI): Helps pay the Part A premium for certain disabled people who returned to work.
Who is eligible for a Medicare Savings Program?
To be eligible, individuals must meet certain income and asset (resource) requirements. The exact thresholds vary by program and by state — generally, income limits for QMB, SLMB, and QI are 100%, 120%, and 135% of the federal poverty level (FPL) respectively. Some states have higher limits or no asset test at all. Eligibility is determined by your state’s Medicaid agency.
How to apply
You can apply through your state’s Medicaid agency. The application process varies by state, but generally you can apply online, by phone, or by mail. To apply, you will need to provide documentation of your income and assets. The Medicaid agency will review the application and determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.
What are the advantages of an MSP?
The main benefit of an MSP is that it helps qualifying individuals pay for their Medicare Part B premium (saving up to $202.90 per month in 2026 for the standard premium). The QMB program goes even further by covering deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for Original Medicare. People enrolled in any MSP also automatically qualify for the federal Extra Help program (Low-Income Subsidy), which assists with Part D prescription drug costs.
Conclusion
Medicare Savings Programs are designed to help lower-income beneficiaries afford their Medicare Part B premium and reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs. They are administered through each state’s Medicaid agency and have income and resource limits that vary by program. If you believe you may be eligible, contact your state’s Medicaid agency to apply.
If you’re looking instead for a Medicare Advantage plan that reduces your Part B premium through a plan rebate (the other type of “Part B Giveback”), our licensed agents can help you compare plans available in your service area.