Texas Medicare Savings Programs 2026: QMB vs SLMB vs QI
Look at your Social Security statement. Somewhere in there, $202.90 is missing. That is your Medicare Part B premium for 2026, and it adds up to $2,434.80 a year. On a fixed income, that is real money.
Here is easy to overlook. Depending on your income and savings, the state of Texas may pay that bill for you. Texas runs three Medicare Savings Programs, called QMB, SLMB, and QI. The names sound alike, but the help is not the same. One program covers doctor bill costs that Medicare normally leaves to you. The other two mainly cover the premium. By the end, you will know which tier fits your income, what it pays, and how to apply.
Quick Answer
Texas Medicare Savings Programs help pay Medicare costs if your income and savings are low. In 2026, countable monthly income can reach $1,796 for one person (QI), and savings must stay at or under $9,950. Apply year-round at YourTexasBenefits.com or by calling 2-1-1.
| Program | Main Help | Monthly Income, Single | Monthly Income, Couple |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | Part B premium, plus Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copays | Up to $1,330 | Up to $1,804 |
| SLMB | Part B premium only | $1,330.01 to $1,596 | $1,804.01 to $2,164 |
| QI | Part B premium only | $1,596 to $1,796 | $2,164 to $2,435 |
Source: Texas HHS Medicaid handbook, effective March 1, 2026. Figures do not include a $20 income credit. Savings limit for all three: $9,950 single, $14,910 couple.
What Are Medicare Savings Programs in Texas?
Medicare Savings Programs, or MSPs, use Medicaid funds to help people with limited income and savings pay certain Medicare costs. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) runs them.
There are four programs in all. QMB, SLMB, and QI are the ones most people compare. The fourth, QDWI, is for certain working people with disabilities who lost premium-free Part A when they went back to work. Its savings limit is lower, at $4,000 for one person and $6,000 for a couple. This page focuses on the first three.
QMB, SLMB, and QI: What Each Program Pays
Forget the names for a minute. Look at what each one actually pays.
| What You Get | QMB | SLMB | QI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B premium | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part A premium (if you owe one) | Yes | No | No |
| Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, copays | Yes | No | No |
| Protected from Medicare cost-sharing bills | Yes | No | No |
| Up to 3 prior months | No | Yes | Yes |
| Extra Help with drug costs | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Must reapply every year | No | No | Yes |
The takeaway is simple. QMB gives the broadest help. SLMB and QI are premium programs. You do not pick your tier, either. HHSC places you in the one that matches your income, savings, and application details.
QMB: The One That Covers More Than the Premium
If your income is in the lowest range, QMB is the first program to check. Texas says QMB covers Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Medicare adds that providers generally cannot bill QMB members for Medicare-covered cost sharing.
In Texas, QMB starts on the first day of the month after you are approved. It does not reach back into earlier months.
SLMB: When Your Income Is a Step Too High for QMB
SLMB pays the Part B premium and nothing else. It is not full Medicaid. SLMB can begin the month you apply, and it can cover up to three prior months if you meet every requirement. Social Security reimburses the premiums deducted during those months.
QI: The Higher-Income Option With Extra Rules
QI reaches the highest income range, so it is easy to overlook. It pays the Part B premium only. It comes with three catches:
- You must apply every year.
- States approve QI applications first-come, first-served, with priority for people who had QI the year before.
- You cannot get QI if you receive benefits under another Medicaid-funded program.
⚠️ Important Note: Because QI funding is limited, do not sit on your application. If you had QI last year, reapply on time to keep your priority. Being over the QMB limit does not mean you are out of options. Check SLMB and QI before you give up.
2026 Texas Income Limits for QMB, SLMB, and QI
There's one detail that often causes confusion. You will see two sets of numbers online. The Texas handbook lists limits that leave out a $20 income credit. Other tools add that $20 back in. So QMB for one person shows up as $1,330 on one page and $1,350 on another. Both are right. They just measure two different things.
| Program | Single (Texas Handbook) | Single (Gross, +$20) | Couple (Texas Handbook) | Couple (Gross, +$20) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | Up to $1,330 | Up to $1,350 | Up to $1,804 | Up to $1,824 |
| SLMB | $1,330.01 to $1,596 | $1,350.01 to $1,616 | $1,804.01 to $2,164 | $1,824.01 to $2,184 |
| QI | $1,596 to $1,796 | $1,616 to $1,816 | $2,164 to $2,435 | $2,184 to $2,455 |
Texas ties these to the federal poverty level. QMB is up to 100%. SLMB is above 100% but under 120%. QI is 120% up to under 135%. The figures have been in effect since March 1, 2026. Married couples who apply together use the couple column.
Medicare.gov also publishes its own Medicare Savings Program numbers. Those are federal, and Texas decides eligibility using its own figures. Check the year and the state on any chart before you rely on it.
💡 EasySmart Tip for Texas Residents: Use your gross Social Security amount, the number before the Part B premium comes out. Your award letter shows it. A lot of people compare the smaller bank deposit to the chart and end up in the wrong tier.
The Savings Limit: How Much Can You Have in the Bank?
| Program | Single | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| QMB, SLMB, QI (since Jan. 1, 2026) | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| Same limit in 2025 (out of date) | $9,660 | $14,470 |
| QDWI | $4,000 | $6,000 |
If you see $9,660 on a website, that page is a year behind.
What Counts, and What Does Not
Income and savings are two separate tests. Money coming in is income. What you hold is a resource. Here is how they usually sort out:
| Test | Usually Counts | Does Not Count |
|---|---|---|
| Income | Social Security, pensions, wages, interest and dividends, and other regular income | The first $20 of income, and SNAP food benefits |
| Savings | Checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement accounts, and real estate other than your home | Your primary home (Texas homestead), one car, household goods, burial spaces, burial funds up to $1,500 per person, and life insurance with cash value under $1,500 |
Texas specifically lists a homestead as an excluded resource. The other exclusions come from federal rules, as reported by Medicare Interactive, and apply in states with an asset limit. HHSC makes the final call on your case. Don't judge yourself by one bank balance.
Which Tier Should You Check First?
Think of the programs as steps on a staircase. Start at the bottom and work up. These examples assume a single person with $6,000 in savings, and they count income after the $20 credit. They are illustrations, not decisions.
| Gross Monthly Income | Counted Income | Check First | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,300 | $1,280 | QMB | Part B premium plus Medicare cost sharing |
| $1,420 | $1,400 | SLMB | Part B premium. That is $202.90 a month. |
| $1,700 | $1,680 | QI | Part B premium, if funding allows |
| $1,850 | $1,830 | Over the lines | Over the QI limit on paper. Check Extra Help, which has a higher income ceiling. |
Take the $1,420 example. A 68-year-old in Frisco gets $1,420 a month from Social Security and has $6,000 in savings. She owns her home. Her counted income is $1,400, which lands in the SLMB range. The house does not count against her. If approved, her Part B premium stops coming out of her check, and she also gets Extra Help for prescriptions.
What Is a Medicare Savings Program Worth?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Part B premium, one month (standard, 2026) | $202.90 |
| Part B premium, a full year | $2,434.80 |
| Three prior months (SLMB or QI) | Up to $608.70, reimbursed through Social Security |
| Extra Help copays (2026) | No more than $5.10 per generic and $12.65 per brand-name drug |
The $202.90 is the standard premium. People with higher incomes may pay more. And Part B is only part of the picture. Approval for any of the three programs also gets you Extra Help, and that can matter a lot if you fill prescriptions every month.
Medicare Savings Programs vs. Extra Help
| Program | Helps With | Who Decides | Savings Limit (Single) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Savings Programs | Medicare premiums, plus cost sharing under QMB | Texas HHSC | $9,950 |
| Extra Help | Part D drug premiums, deductibles, and copays | Social Security | $18,090 |
You can start with either one. Your Extra Help application can also lead to MSP screening, since Social Security may forward your information to the state. Our Texas Medicare Open Enrollment 2026 guide explains how Extra Help lets you change drug plans once a month.
How to Apply in Texas
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Online | Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com |
| Phone | Call 2-1-1 |
| Paper | Fill out Form H1200 (Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities or Medicare Savings Program) |
| Free help | Texas HICAP, 1-800-252-9240. In Collin and Denton Counties, ages 60+ can also call 1-800-272-3921. |
What to Have Ready
- Your Medicare card and Social Security number
- Your Social Security award letter showing your gross monthly amount
- Pension or other income statements, if you have them
- Recent statements for every bank account
- Proof you live in Texas, such as a utility bill or driver's license
Mistakes That Slow Down a First Application
- Listing take-home pay instead of the gross amount on your award letter
- Leaving out a pension, a small annuity, or interest income
- Skipping a bank account, especially a savings account you rarely use
- Forgetting a spouse's income and savings when you apply as a couple
- Sending the application without a signature
- Ignoring a follow-up letter until after its deadline
Which Way Should You Apply?
All four routes lead to the same HHSC decision. The difference is how much help you get along the way.
| Route | Best If | Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|
| YourTexasBenefits.com | You are comfortable online | You fill it out on your own |
| 2-1-1 | You would rather talk to a person | Have your documents in front of you |
| Paper Form H1200 | You prefer paper or have no internet | Easy to miss a signature or a page |
| Texas HICAP (1-800-252-9240) | Your numbers are close to a line, or the forms feel confusing | Counselors are busy in the fall, so call early |
HHSC may ask for more. Answer any follow-up letter fast, and respond by the deadline on the notice. Keep copies of everything you send. Missing paperwork is one of the easiest ways to get delayed. Approval is never automatic, and HHSC decides which program, if any, fits.
📌 Good to Know: Once you are approved, the Part B premium should stop coming out of your Social Security payment. It can take a little time to show up. If the deduction keeps coming after a couple of months, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask HHSC to confirm your approval went through.
What to Do if a Doctor Bills You While You Have QMB
QMB changes the rules on billing. If you have it, providers generally cannot charge you for Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, or copays. If a bill shows up anyway, try this:
- Tell the provider's billing office you have QMB.
- Show both your Medicare card and your Texas Medicaid or QMB card.
- Ask them to check your status and review the charge.
- If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call the plan as well.
- Still stuck? Call 1-800-MEDICARE or Texas HICAP.
Common Mistakes That Cost People Their Benefit
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Using a federal chart or last year's numbers | Use the Texas figures above. Income limits changed March 1, 2026. Savings limits changed January 1, 2026. |
| Comparing your take-home deposit to the chart | Use your gross monthly amount from your award letter. |
| Forgetting the $20 credit | Subtract $20 from gross income, or use the "+$20" column. |
| Assuming SLMB and QI cover doctor bills | They pay the Part B premium. Only QMB covers deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. |
| Skipping QI because it sounds like Medicaid | QI is a Medicare Savings Program. It pays the Part B premium only. |
| Forgetting to reapply for QI | QI requires a new application every year. |
| Counting your home as savings | Texas excludes the homestead where you live. |
When the Numbers Reset
| What Changes | When |
|---|---|
| Savings limits | January 1 each year |
| Texas income limits | March 1 |
| Social Security payment increases | January, usually |
Spot the gap. Your Social Security payment can go up in January, but Texas does not raise its income limits until March. If a raise pushes you just over a line, check again after the new limits take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the income limit for QMB in Texas in 2026?
A: For one person, the Texas handbook limit is $1,330 a month. For a couple, it is $1,804. Those figures leave out a $20 credit, so gross income can be $20 higher. The savings limit is $9,950 single or $14,910 couple.
Q: What is the income limit for SLMB in Texas in 2026?
A: One person: $1,330.01 to $1,596 a month. A couple: $1,804.01 to $2,164. SLMB pays the Part B premium.
Q: What is the income limit for QI in Texas in 2026?
A: One person: $1,596 to $1,796 a month. A couple: $2,164 to $2,435. QI pays the Part B premium and must be renewed each year.
Q: What is the difference between QMB, SLMB, and QI?
A: All three pay the Part B premium. QMB also covers Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, and pays the Part A premium if you owe one. Your income decides which tier you land in.
Q: Does QMB pay the Medicare Part B premium?
A: Yes. QMB pays the Part B premium and also covers Medicare cost sharing. That is the big difference between QMB and the other two programs.
Q: Do I have to apply for QI every year?
A: Yes. States approve QI applications first-come, first-served, with priority for people who received QI the previous year.
Q: Do I get Extra Help if I qualify for a Medicare Savings Program?
A: Yes. Approval for QMB, SLMB, or QI means you get Extra Help automatically. In 2026, you pay no more than $5.10 for a generic and $12.65 for a brand-name drug.
Q: Are income and savings counted the same way for Extra Help and a Medicare Savings Program?
A: No. Texas HHSC reviews Medicare Savings Program applications and applies a $20 income credit. Social Security reviews Extra Help. Extra Help also has a higher ceiling. For one person in 2026, it is $23,940 a year in income and $18,090 in savings, compared with $9,950 in savings for the MSPs. You can be over the MSP limit and still qualify for Extra Help.
Q: Can I have savings and still qualify?
A: Possibly. The limit is $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple. Texas does not count the home you live in, and other items may be left out as well.
Q: What if my income is slightly over the limit?
A: Apply anyway. Exclusions and credits can change the math, and the next tier up may fit. Only HHSC can make the final call.
Q: Where do I apply?
A: Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com, call 2-1-1, or send in Form H1200. Texas HICAP at 1-800-252-9240 can help you with the application for free.
The Part That Matters Most
If you are living on Social Security, a small pension, or another limited income, a Medicare premium can take a noticeable bite out of your monthly budget. And the premium is only part of the problem. Deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance can make a tight budget even tighter.
That is why I would not look at the QMB, SLMB, and QI limits as three separate programs to memorize. I would look at them as three places to check, starting with the lowest income range and moving up.
QMB is especially important because it can do much more than remove the Part B premium. If you qualify, it can also protect you from Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. If your income is too high for QMB, that does not mean the search is over. SLMB and QI may still help with the Part B premium.
I think many people make the wrong assumption. Being slightly over one limit does not automatically mean you are out of options. Texas uses income rules, disregards, and resource rules when it makes the actual determination. A quick look at your Social Security check is not the same thing as an eligibility decision.
You do not need to figure out every Medicare rule before applying. You just need to know where to start. For many Texans with limited income, that starting point is QMB. If QMB is not a fit, look at SLMB. If your income is higher still, check QI before walking away from the possibility of help.
That small extra step could make a meaningful difference in what you pay for Medicare throughout the year. The worst case is a denial letter. The best case is $202.90 a month back in your pocket, plus help with your prescriptions.
Key Takeaways
- All three programs cover the $202.90 Part B premium. Only QMB also covers deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
- 2026 Texas income limits for one person: up to $1,330 (QMB), $1,596 (SLMB), $1,796 (QI). Add $20 for gross income.
- The savings limit is $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple. Your home does not count.
- QI must be renewed every year and is first-come, first-served.
- Approval brings Extra Help automatically.
- Apply any time at YourTexasBenefits.com, by calling 2-1-1, or with Form H1200.
Source: Texas Health and Human Services, Medicare Savings Program Information (.gov) and Benefits.gov, Qualifying Individual Program (.gov)
Related Guides
Official Sources
- Texas HHS Handbook — Medicare Savings Program Information (Appendix IX)
- Texas HHS Handbook — QMB Income Limits
- Texas HHS Handbook — SLMB Income Limits
- Texas HHS Handbook — QI Income Limits
- Texas HHS Handbook — MSP Resource Limits
- Texas HHS Handbook — Texas Administrative Code Rules for MSP
- Texas HHS Handbook — Budget Reference Chart (2026 Part B Premium)
- Benefits.gov — Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs
- Your Texas Benefits — Paper Forms (Form H1200)
- Social Security — Medicare Savings Programs Income and Resource Limits
- Medicare Interactive (Medicare Rights Center, nonprofit) — MSP Income and Asset Rules
Last checked: October 2026. Income limits, savings limits, and program rules can change. Confirm current figures with Texas HHS before you apply.
Editorial Note
EasySmartHub is an independent informational resource. We are not affiliated with Medicare, the Social Security Administration, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, or any government agency. Eligibility limits and program rules can change, so always confirm current information with an official source. The examples above are illustrations only, and approval is never guaranteed. This article is for general information only and is not medical, legal, insurance, or financial advice.
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