💚 Getting Help Paying for Medicare — MSP & Extra Help (2026)
Medicare can become expensive for many seniors, especially those living on a fixed income.
The good news: millions of people qualify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) and the Extra Help program, which can reduce or even eliminate premiums, deductibles, and drug costs.
This 2026 guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, and how much you can save each month.
If you’d like a step-by-step walkthrough of Medicare enrollment, plan choices, and
common pitfalls, these 2025–2026 guides can be helpful companions to this article:
👉
MEDICARE TURNING 65 IN 2026 — Most Common Medicare Questions Answered
👉
Medicare Plan Guide for Beginners (2025–2026 Edition)
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1️⃣ What Are Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)?
Medicare Savings Programs (run by your state Medicaid office) help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for:
- Part B premiums
- Part A premiums (in some cases)
- Part A & B deductibles
- Coinsurance and copayments
2️⃣ The Four Types of Medicare Savings Programs
| Program | What It Pays |
|---|---|
| QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) | Part A & B premiums + deductibles + coinsurance |
| SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) | Part B premium only |
| QI (Qualifying Individual) | Part B premium (funding limited; must reapply each year) |
| QDWI (Qualified Disabled & Working Individual) | Part A premium for certain individuals under 65 |
In 2026, income and resource limits vary by state, but most seniors with modest incomes can qualify—sometimes even if they think they earn “too much.”
3️⃣ Extra Help for Prescription Drug Costs (Part D)
Extra Help (also called the Low-Income Subsidy) helps pay for:
- Part D monthly premiums
- Annual deductibles
- Prescription copays
In 2026, people with Extra Help can expect:
- $0–$11 monthly premiums (depends on plan)
- Low or zero deductibles
- Very low drug copays or coinsurance
- Full catastrophic coverage protection
4️⃣ How to Apply — Simple Step-by-Step
- Contact your state Medicaid office.
- Provide proof of income and resources.
- Submit your MSP application.
- If approved, Medicare will automatically adjust your premiums.
Linda (age 70) qualifies for the SLMB program.
Her state now pays her $206.50/month Part B premium (estimated 2026 rate), saving her nearly $2,500 per year.
She is also automatically enrolled in Extra Help and sees her drug costs drop dramatically.
5️⃣ Tips to Maximize Medicare Cost Savings
- Apply even if you think your income is slightly above the limit—rules are flexible.
- Review your drug plan every year for lower costs.
- Use in-network pharmacies for best pricing.
- Check whether your state has expanded MSP eligibility.
- Keep copies of all documents for faster approval.