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Medicare Savings Program 2026:
QMB, SLMB & Extra Help Explained.

If your income is limited, the state of Florida may pay your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays for you — at no cost. Millions of people qualify and don't even know it.

What is the Medicare Savings Program?

The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is a set of state-run assistance programs that help people with limited income and resources pay for their Medicare costs. In Florida, the program is administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Depending on which program you qualify for, the state can pay your Part B premium ($185/month in 2026), your Part A and Part B deductibles, and even your copays and coinsurance. There are four programs — QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI — each with different income limits and benefits.

More people qualify than you think

Income limits for MSP are higher than most people expect — and the asset rules are more flexible than they used to be. Even if you have a home, a car, or some savings, you may still qualify. It takes about 15 minutes to check with us at no cost.

What about Extra Help for Part D?

Separate from MSP, the federal Extra Help program (also called Low Income Subsidy or LIS) helps pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. If you qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you automatically qualify for Extra Help — you don't need to apply separately.

Extra Help can save you up to $5,300 per year on prescription drug costs by reducing or eliminating your Part D premium, deductible, and copays.

Don't leave money on the table

An estimated 1 in 3 people who qualify for Extra Help are not enrolled. If you think your income might be too high — check anyway. The thresholds are updated every year and are often higher than people assume. Call us and we'll check your eligibility in minutes.

The 4 Medicare Savings Programs

Each program has different income limits and covers different costs. QMB is the most comprehensive — if you qualify for QMB, you get the most help.

QMB
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
Individual: ≤$1,275/mo · Couple: ≤$1,724/mo
Part A premium — paid by state
Part B premium ($185/mo) — paid by state
Part A & B deductibles — paid by state
Part A & B copays & coinsurance — paid
Auto-qualifies for Extra Help (Part D)
Most comprehensive — up to $7,500+/year in savings
SLMB
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
Individual: ≤$1,526/mo · Couple: ≤$2,058/mo
Part B premium ($185/mo) — paid by state
Deductibles — not covered
Copays & coinsurance — not covered
Auto-qualifies for Extra Help (Part D)
Saves $2,220/year on Part B premium alone
QI
Qualifying Individual
Individual: ≤$1,715/mo · Couple: ≤$2,313/mo
Part B premium ($185/mo) — paid by state
Deductibles — not covered
Copays & coinsurance — not covered
Auto-qualifies for Extra Help (Part D)
Must re-apply every year (limited slots)
Saves $2,220/year — must reapply annually
QDWI
Qualified Disabled & Working Individual
Individual: ≤$5,105/mo · Couple: ≤$6,899/mo
Part A premium only — paid by state
Part B premium — not covered
Deductibles or copays — not covered
Does NOT auto-qualify for Extra Help
For disabled people who returned to work
Covers Part A premium for working disabled people

Check your eligibility

Enter your monthly income and household size to see which programs you may qualify for. These are estimates — actual eligibility also depends on assets.

MSP Eligibility Checker — Florida 2026

2026 income & asset limits

These limits are updated annually. Asset limits (what you own) apply in addition to income limits — but many assets are excluded, including your home and one car.

Program Individual income limit Couple income limit Individual asset limit What's excluded from assets
QMB $1,275/mo $1,724/mo $9,430 Home, one car, burial funds
SLMB $1,526/mo $2,058/mo $9,430 Home, one car, burial funds
QI $1,715/mo $2,313/mo $9,430 Home, one car, burial funds
QDWI $5,105/mo $6,899/mo $4,000 Home, one car
Extra Help $1,903/mo $2,575/mo $17,220 Home, one car, life insurance
Income that doesn't count

Not all income counts toward MSP limits. Excluded income includes the first $20 of most income, the first $65 of earned income, irregular gifts, some home energy assistance, and more. This means your countable income is often lower than your gross income — another reason to check even if you think you earn too much.

How to apply in Florida

1
Gather your documents
You'll need: proof of Medicare (your red, white, and blue card), proof of income (Social Security award letter, pay stubs), bank statements, and proof of residency (utility bill or lease).
2
Apply through DCF MyACCESS
Online: access.florida.gov — create an account and submit your application. By phone: call DCF at 1-866-762-2237. In person: visit your local DCF service center.
3
Apply for Extra Help separately (if needed)
If you qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you automatically get Extra Help. If you don't qualify for MSP but still have limited income, apply for Extra Help separately at ssa.gov/extrahelp or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
4
Wait for your determination
Florida DCF typically processes MSP applications within 45 days. If approved, benefits are usually retroactive to the month you applied. You'll receive a notice by mail.
5
Let us help you
Our team works with MSP applicants regularly. We can help you understand what documents you need, review your application, and make sure you're enrolled in the right Medicare plan alongside your MSP benefits. All at no cost to you.
Need help with your Medicaid or ACCESS Florida application?

The Golden Years Miami is a nonprofit DCF Community Partner (ID 1914) that helps Miami-Dade seniors complete their Medicaid and ACCESS Florida applications — at no cost. Call 305-832-1104 or visit goldenyearsfl.org.

Explore more Medicare guides

Think you might qualify for MSP or Extra Help?

Our licensed bilingual brokers will check your eligibility and help you apply — in English or Spanish, at no cost to you.