In this blog, I will discuss Medicare Savings Programs, which are special Medicaid programs for individuals with limited resources and income. These programs are often overlooked but are available to assist individuals with limited income and resources in paying Medicare premiums. These programs are available even if an individual does not qualify for full Medicaid coverage. Alternatively, a person may be dually eligible for both full Medicaid and a Medicare Savings Program. Full Medicaid covers costs not covered by Medicare, whereas Medicare Savings Programs cover out-of-pocket expenses related to costs covered by Medicare.
Although there are resource and income requirements, Medicare Savings Programs do not have a lookback period or gifting penalties like some Medicaid programs. In addition, there is no estate recovery program for Medicare Savings Programs. These programs run annually if approved and require recertification each year.
There are several different versions of Medicare Savings Programs, which are identified by confusing acronyms. I have summarized each version of the program below.
MQB-Q (also known as QMB)
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (Comprehensive)
The MQB-Q is the most comprehensive program and covers Medicare Part B premiums, Part A and Part B deductibles, and Part B coinsurance payments for certain services.
To qualify, the individual must be enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B and must also be a resident of North Carolina and a U.S. citizen or qualified resident. With some exceptions related to disability and certain illnesses, individuals enrolled in Medicare are typically over the age of 65.
Finally, an individual must meet the resource and income thresholds. For 2025, the resource limitation is approximately $9,660 for a single person and $14,470 for a married couple. The income threshold is approximately $1,325 per month for an individual and $1,783 per month for a married couple. These thresholds are subject to change and can vary by state. Only certain resources are countable toward these thresholds.
If a person qualifies, Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and any coinsurance for hospital and physician bills will be covered. Costs that are not covered by Medicare, such as prescription drugs, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and dental services, are not paid for by Medicare Savings Programs.
MQB-B (also known as SLMB)
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (Part B Premium)
The MQB-B program is a limited Medicare Savings Program that only covers the cost of the Medicare Part B premium.
The qualifications are the same as for MQB-Q, except that the income and resource thresholds are slightly higher, up to 120% of the federal poverty level.
As of 2025, the income threshold for a single individual is approximately $1,506 per month and $2,044 per month for a married couple. The resource limit is approximately $10,590 for individuals and $16,630 for couples.
MQB-E (also known as QI)
Qualifying Individual (Part B Premium)
Lastly, even if your income exceeds 120% of the federal poverty level, it may be worth speaking with a social worker and applying for benefits. The MQB-E program operates on a first-come, first-served basis with limited funding and provides assistance to Medicare beneficiaries whose income is slightly above 120% of the federal poverty level.
As of 2025, the income threshold for the MQB-E program is approximately $1,781 for an individual and $2,400 for a married couple. This program is capped, based on federal funding, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additionally, there is a fourth Medicare Savings Program known as QDWI (Qualified Disabled and Working Individual), which helps pay Medicare Part A premiums for certain disabled individuals who are working and have limited income and resources.
Lastly, individuals with lower incomes may also apply for the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program for assistance with prescription drug costs.
Conclusion
A treasure trove of programs exists to help Medicare recipients with out-of-pocket expenses, even if they do not qualify for full Medicaid coverage. These programs are not subject to lookback periods or estate recovery but do require income and resource eligibility.
To confirm current income and resource limits, individuals should contact a social worker in their county of residence. Additionally, even if a person is unsure whether they qualify, it never hurts to submit an application if help is needed. Many government programs are constantly in flux, and some local social workers may not be aware of all available options.
Andrew M. Brower is a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning & Probate Law at Law Firm Carolinas, which has five offices and a statewide practice. For questions about estate planning and administration, wills and trusts, guardianships, or Medicaid/long-term care and asset protection, contact Law Firm Carolinas.