What is the income limit to get help with part B Medicare?
📅 2026 Medicare Savings Program Limits
You can get help paying for your Medicare Part B premiums through state-run Medicare Savings Programs if your monthly income falls below specific federal limits (which are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii).
📊 2026 Income and Resource Limits
| Program | Single Monthly Income Limit | Married Monthly Income Limit | Single Resource/Asset Limit | Married Resource/Asset Limit | What It Covers for Part B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) | $1,350 | $1,824 | $9,950 | $14,910 | Premiums & cost-sharing |
| SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) | $1,616 | $2,184 | $9,950 | $14,910 | Part B premiums only |
| QI (Qualifying Individual) | $1,816 | $2,455 | $9,950 | $14,910 | Part B premiums only (first-come) |
Note: Income limits include a standard $20 general monthly income disregard. Resources include savings, stocks, and bonds, but usually exclude your primary home and one car.
💡 Tips for Applying
- Check local rules: Some states have eliminated asset tests or set higher income cutoffs.
- Automatic Extra Help: Qualifying for QMB, SLMB, or QI automatically enrolls you in Extra Help for prescription drug costs.
What income qualifies for free Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B is never completely free, but low-income individuals can have their $202.90 monthly premium fully covered by state Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs).
Income Limits for Free Part B (2026 Federal Guidelines)
To qualify for assistance that pays your Part B premium in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., your monthly income must fall under specific thresholds based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL):
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program: Income up to 100% of the FPL ($1,350/month for individuals; $1,824/month for couples). Covers Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program: Income between 100% and 120% of the FPL ($1,616/month for individuals; $2,184/month for couples). Fully covers the Part B premium.
- Qualifying Individual (QI) Program: Income between 120% and 135% of the FPL ($1,816/month for individuals; $2,455/month for couples). Fully covers the Part B premium (allocated first-come, first-served).
Note: Limits are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii, and states also enforce a resource/asset limit (generally $9,950 for individuals and $14,910 for couples).
What is the income limit to qualify for Medicare Extra Help in 2026?
The 2026 annual income limit to qualify for Medicare Extra Help is $23,940 for an individual and $32,460 for a married couple living together.
Income and Asset Limits
- Individual Income: Under $23,940 per year (about $1,995 per month).
- Married Couple Income: Under $32,460 per year (about $2,705 per month).
- Individual Resources (Assets): Under $18,090.
- Married Couple Resources: Under $36,100.
Note: Limits are higher if you live in Alaska or Hawaii, or if you have dependents living with you. Resources count things like bank accounts, stocks, and bonds, but exclude your primary home and one car.
Automatic Qualification
You do not need to apply if you already receive:
- Full Medicaid benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Help from a Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
How to Apply
You can read more details through the National Council on Aging (NCOA) eligibility guide. To apply for the program, review the guidelines from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or visit SSA.gov.
What is considered high income for Medicare Part B?
For 2026, a high income for Medicare Part B starts at a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of more than $109,000 for individuals and more than $218,000 for married couples filing jointly.
If your income is above these baseline thresholds, you must pay an extra charge called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which increases your standard Part B premium.
How High-Income Brackets Work (2026)
Medicare uses a sliding scale with multiple tiers based on your tax return from two years prior (2026 premiums are based on your 2024 tax return).
- Individuals ($109,001 to $137,000) / Couples ($218,001 to $274,000): Total monthly premium is $284.10
- Individuals ($137,001 to $171,000) / Couples ($274,001 to $342,000): Total monthly premium is $405.80
- Individuals ($171,001 to $205,000) / Couples ($342,001 to $410,000): Total monthly premium is $527.50
- Individuals ($205,000 to $499,999) / Couples ($410,000 to $749,999): Total monthly premium is $649.20
- Individuals ($500,000 or more) / Couples ($750,000 or more): Total monthly premium is $689.90
What Counts as Income?
Medicare defines MAGI as your total adjusted gross income plus any tax-exempt interest income (such as interest from municipal bonds).
Exceptions and Appeals
If your income has dropped significantly due to a life-changing event (such as retirement, work stoppage, divorce, or the death of a spouse), you can ask the Social Security Administration to reduce or eliminate your IRMAA surcharge by filing Form SSA-44. You can read more about Part B costs for higher incomes on Medicare Interactive.
What are the income limits for Medicare Part B premiums in 2026?
For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium is $202.90, and higher-income beneficiaries pay an extra charge called IRMAA based on their 2024 modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).
2026 Part B Income Brackets and Total Premiums
If your income exceeds $109,000 for individual filers or $218,000 for joint filers, you will pay a higher monthly premium.
| Individual Return (2024 Income) | Married Filing Jointly (2024 Income) | Monthly Surcharge | Total Monthly Part B Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| $109,000 or less | $218,000 or less | $0.00 | $202.90 |
| $109,001 – $137,000 | $218,001 – $274,000 | $81.20 | $284.10 |
| $137,001 – $171,000 | $274,001 – $342,000 | $202.90 | $405.80 |
| $171,001 – $205,000 | $342,001 – $410,000 | $324.60 | $527.50 |
| $205,001 – $499,999 | $410,001 – $749,999 | $446.30 | $649.20 |
| $500,000 and above | $750,000 and above | $487.00 | $689.90 |
Key Details to Remember
- Two-Year Lookback: Your 2026 premiums are determined using your tax return from 2024.
- Married Filing Separately: If you are married but file a separate tax return, the income threshold is $109,000 or less for the standard rate, but jumps to higher surcharge tiers much faster if your income is above that.
- Life-Changing Events: If your income dropped due to retirement, divorce, or the death of a spouse, you can appeal your IRMAA determination using Form SSA-44 via the Social Security Administration.
What Are The Income Limits For Medicare Part B Assistance?
What if I can't afford Medicare Part B?
If you cannot afford your Medicare Part B premium, you can apply for state assistance programs that pay your costs or combine your coverage with Medicaid.
Most users on Reddit agree that low-income individuals should explore state assistance programs before dropping coverage to avoid major financial and coverage gaps.
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)
States run programs to help people with limited income and resources pay for Medicare.
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program: Pays your Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program: Helps pay your monthly Part B premium.
- Qualifying Individual (QI) Program: Helps pay your Part B premium on a first-come, first-served basis.
Medicaid and Extra Help
- Medicaid: If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligibility), your state may cover many costs that Medicare leaves behind. Contact your local State Medical Assistance Office to see if you qualify.
- Extra Help Program: Lowers your Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. Many people who qualify for a Medicare Savings Program are automatically enrolled in Extra Help.
Risks of Dropping Part B
- Late Enrollment Penalties: Dropping or delaying Part B without other qualifying coverage (like from a current employer) triggers a permanent monthly penalty if you re-enroll later.
- Coverage Gaps: Original Medicare Part B covers vital outpatient care, doctor visits, and medical equipment. Dropping it leaves you to pay 100% of these medical bills out of pocket.
How much do I pay for Medicare Part B based on income?
Your Medicare Part B monthly premium is determined by your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your tax return two years prior. For your 2026 premiums, the government looks at your 2024 tax return.
Most beneficiaries pay the standard monthly premium of $202.90. However, if your 2024 MAGI exceeded $109,000 for individual filers or $218,000 for joint filers, you must pay an extra fee called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).
2026 Medicare Part B Income Brackets & Premiums
Because IRMAA operates on a strict "cliff" system, earning even $1 over a threshold pushes you entirely into the next payment tier. The official Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) breakdown for monthly payments shows:
| If your 2024 Individual MAGI was: | If your 2024 Joint MAGI was: | Monthly IRMAA Surcharge | Your Total 2026 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| $109,000 or less | $218,000 or less | $0.00 | $202.90 |
| $109,001 to $137,000 | $218,001 to $274,000 | $81.20 | $284.10 |
| $137,001 to $171,000 | $274,001 to $342,000 | $202.90 | $405.80 |
| $171,001 to $205,000 | $342,001 to $410,000 | $324.60 | $527.50 |
| $205,001 to $499,999 | $410,001 to $749,999 | $446.30 | $649.20 |
| $500,000 or more | $750,000 or more | $487.00 | $689.90 |
Note: If you are married but file a separate tax return and your income was between $109,001 and $390,999, your total premium is $649.20. If it was $391,000 or above, you pay $689.90.
Important Rules to Remember
- What counts as MAGI? For Medicare purposes, your MAGI is your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) plus any tax-exempt interest income you received.
- Appealing your IRMAA: If your income dropped significantly since 2024 due to a major life-changing event (such as retirement, divorce, work reduction, or the death of a spouse), you can ask for a recalculation. You will need to file Form SSA-44 with the Social Security Administration.
How much money can you make and still be on Medicare?
You can make an unlimited amount of money and still qualify for Medicare.
How Income Affects Medicare
- No Maximum Limit: Eligibility does not depend on your income or how much money you earn. If you are 65 or older, or qualify through a disability, you can sign up.
- Higher Costs (IRMAA): While you cannot be denied coverage for making too much, earning a high income means you will pay more for Medicare Part B and Part D.
- Income Thresholds: The extra charge is called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Individuals making more than $109,000 or married couples making more than $218,000 per year pay higher monthly fees.
- Tax Records: The Social Security Administration looks at your modified adjusted gross income from your tax return from two years ago to decide if you pay the extra fee.
Can I get extra help paying my Medicare Part B premiums?
Yes, you can get help paying your Medicare Part B premiums through state-run Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) rather than the federal "Extra Help" program, which specifically targets prescription drug costs (Part D).
Medicare Savings Programs That Pay Part B Premiums
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Helps pay Part B premiums, Part A premiums (if you have them), and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Helps pay your Part B monthly premium only.
- QI (Qualified Individual): Helps pay your Part B premium only, granted on a first-come, first-served basis (you must reapply each year).
2026 Eligibility Limits
Income and asset limits vary by program and change yearly:
- QMB limits: Individual income up to $1,350/month ($9,950 assets); couple income up to $1,824/month ($14,910 assets).
- SLMB limits: Individual income up to $1,616/month ($9,950 assets); couple income up to $2,184/month ($14,910 assets).
- QI limits: Individual income up to $1,816/month ($9,950 assets); couple income up to $2,455/month ($14,910 assets).
(Note: Limits are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii.)
How to Apply
- Contact your state's Medicaid office to apply for a Medicare Savings Program.
- If you qualify for an MSP, you will also automatically qualify for Medicare Extra Help with your prescription drug costs.
What are the income limits for the Medicare Savings Program in 2026?
The 2026 federal monthly income limits for Medicare Savings Programs range from $1,350 for single individuals under the QMB program up to $5,405 for the QDWI program, with higher thresholds for married couples and higher limits in Alaska and Hawaii.
2026 Monthly Income Limits by Program
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB):
- Individual: $1,350
- Married Couple: $1,824
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB):
- Individual: $1,616
- Married Couple: $2,184
- Qualifying Individual (QI):
- Individual: $1,816
- Married Couple: $2,455
- Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI):
- Individual: $5,405
- Married Couple: $7,299
2026 Resource and Asset Limits
- QMB, SLMB, and QI: $9,950 for individuals and $14,910 for married couples.
- QDWI: $4,000 for individuals and $6,000 for married couples.
- Note: Many states set higher limits or do not count certain resources (like your primary home or car). Some states also apply an income disregard (such as the first $20 of monthly income) which can help you qualify even if your gross income is slightly over the limit.