How do Medicare Savings Programs help with Medicare costs?

Question

Justin Sonon · Accepted Answer

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) can help people with limited income cover their Medicare premiums, deductibles and other costs like co-insurance. This is also known as a Medicare Buy-In program. 

Eligibility can be vary by state. Extra help with Medicare Part D drug costs can by applied for simultaneously with the MSP. Income and resources can also vary by state, however most states use income and resource limits based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Types of MSPs include:

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) which helps pay for Part A and B premiums, and covers cost- sharing for Medicare-covered services.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) which helps pay for Part B premiums.

Qualified Individual (QI) which helps pay for Part B premiums.

Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI) which helps part Part A premiums for individuals under age 65 who a disabled and have returned to work recently.

You can apply through your State Medical Assistance office (Medicaid).

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

The Medicare Savings Program or MSP, is a program that helps lower-income seniors with help paying for things like Part A and Part B premiums, copays, co-insurance and other out of pocket costs. There are many "levels" of help that people can get, all based on your income level.

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on April 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

Medicare savings programs, known as MSPs, can qualify you for extra services and benefits. These services may help reduce Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance payments and assist with Medicare Part D drug plans.

Answered by Larry Dalton on April 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

They pay for your Part B premium. Next year, that will be $202.50 per month. Very significant savings for sure.

Michael Denniston · Answer

H.S.A.s are a great investment for many reasons. When it comes to Medicare, your left-over HSA account for pay for things like Dental, vison, medicine, doctors' visits, medical supplies etc. The only thing your HSA cannot be used for is for par paying monthly, yearly or quarterly premiums. For more in-depth information contact us today.

Answered by Michael Denniston on January 12, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 11 other states

Answered by Michael Denniston Medicare Insurance Agent

Luke Rhoads · Answer

Medicare savings programs help low income and people with limited resources pay for their medicare costs, including premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and co-pays.

Cheri Rogers · Answer

Medicare Savings Programs are state assistance though Medicaid that may help people with limited income with the cost of Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and sometimes copayments. The coverage is based on income and the level of asistance for which you qualify.

Answered by Cheri Rogers on April 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in NM & TX

Answered by Cheri Rogers Medicare Insurance Agent

Sherry Rose · Answer

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-run programs that help people with limited income and resources pay for some or all of their Medicare costs. These programs can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for eligible individuals. Here’s how they help:

1. Pay Medicare Part B Premiums
All MSPs help pay for the monthly premium for Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits and outpatient services. In 2025, this premium is typically $174.70/month.

2. Cover Deductibles, Coinsurance, and Copayments
Some MSPs also cover:

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premiums (if applicable)

Part A and Part B deductibles

Coinsurance and copayments for services

3. Qualify Automatically for Extra Help with Prescription Drugs
If you're enrolled in an MSP, you automatically qualify for Extra Help, a program that reduces prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D.

Kip Nussbaum · Answer

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP's) can help with paying your Part A & B premiums and other cost shares like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. You apply for this assistance through the state and your income must be low enough to qualify financially.

However, I will offer one word of caution. My experience is that many telemarketers will try to "bait" Medicare beneficiaries into switching plans by mentioning a "MSP" when in actuality it is a "Part B Giveback." A Part B giveback is where the actual insurance company covers part of the Part B cost (currently at $185 per month for 2025). This giveback is not part of any MSP and these plans usually have reduced allowances for the "extras" like dental, vision, hearing, OTC, etc. And generally the copays and annual maximum out of pocket (MOOP) on giveback plans are much higher than a non-giveback advantage plan would be.

Mark Szymanski · Answer

Medicare Savings Programs are income based. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help individuals with limited income and resources pay for certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare, such as premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. These programs, managed by Medicaid in each state but funded by the federal government, aim to make Medicare more affordable for those who need it most.

Answered by Mark Szymanski on April 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA & NJ

Answered by Mark Szymanski Medicare Insurance Agent

Glorines Pardo-Garcia · Answer

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are essentially a "financial bridge" provided by your state to help cover some of the costs that Medicare doesn't. 

Depending on your income and savings, these programs help in three main ways:

Paying your Part B Premium: For most people in 2026, this saves you about $202.90 every single month. Instead of this being deducted from your Social Security check, the state pays it for you.

Lowering Out-of-Pocket Costs: The most helpful level (called QMB) acts like a secondary insurance, covering your Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments so you don't get hit with big bills after a doctor's visit.

Automatic Prescription Savings: If you get into an MSP, you automatically get "Extra Help." This is a federal program that lowers your prescription drug costs, usually capping your copays at a few dollars.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

A Medical Savings Account is the retention of PRE-TAXED money taken out of your paycheck which has been set aside specifically for your medical bills. However, once you have aged into Medicare at 65, it can no longer be contributed to with added $$. BUT, you will have the ease of paying all of your medical invoices with the use of those dollars.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Houchens · Answer

Medicare savings programs can help in many ways depending of your income and what you qualify for. It can help pay for a portion or all your part A or B premiums and also help with out of pocket prescription cost. All depends on what you personally qualify for.

Answered by Steve Houchens on July 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Deb Haley · Answer

Medicare Savings Programs help eligible medicare beneficiaries with the cost of their Part B premium. In Massachusetts the program is called Mass Buy-In and the depending on which level of the program someone qualifies for there may be additional help with things like copays.

Answered by Deb Haley on May 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, AZ, CA & 11 other states

Answered by Deb Haley Medicare Insurance Agent

Dee Ethridge · Answer

The savings program can help some low income beneficiaries with out of pocket costs like premiums, copays and coinsurance

Ron Hamilton · Answer

12/15: Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-run programs that help people with limited income and resources pay some or all of their Medicare out-of-pocket costs. They don’t replace Medicare—they help cover the costs that Medicare leaves you with.

Answered by Ron Hamilton on December 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in NC, FL, GA, MA & VA

Answered by Ron Hamilton Medicare Insurance Agent

Clare Burley · Answer

Yes the MSP definitely help with Medicare costs! There are different levels of MSP and what you qualify for will depend on your income level.

Karen Colbert · Answer

It cuts the cost or it can eliminate cost of proscriptions. If a plan has a prescription deductible. The deductible will be waived as well as copays. This also depends on the qualifying type. It could help pay for Part A and Part B premiums and coinsurance.

Answered by Karen Colbert on May 11, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Karen Colbert Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help individuals with limited income and resources pay for Medicare costs, including premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and prescription drug expenses. These programs, also known as Medicare Buy-In Programs or Medicare Premium Payment Programs, are designed to alleviate the financial burden of Medicare for those who need it. 
Here's how they work:
They cover premiums: MSPs help cover the monthly Part A and/or Part B premiums, depending on the specific program. 
They reduce out-of-pocket costs: They may help pay for deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for Medicare-covered services. 
They help with prescription drug costs: MSPs often automatically qualify individuals for Extra Help, a program that assists with Medicare Part D (prescription drug) costs. 
They can help with extra expenses:
In some cases, MSPs can also help with other health-related expenses beyond standard Medicare costs, such as vision or dental care. 
Types of Medicare Savings Programs:
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Helps with Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. 
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Helps with Part B premiums and automatically qualifies for Extra Help. 
Qualifying Individual (QI): Helps with Part B premiums and automatically qualifies for Extra Help. 
Eligibility:
Eligibility for MSPs is determined by income and resources, and each program has specific thresholds. The specific requirements vary by state and can be found on the Medicare website or by contacting your local Medicaid office. 
In summary: Medicare Savings Programs are designed to make Medicare more affordable for low-income individuals by helping them with premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and prescription drug expenses, according to the Social Security Administration.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

help people with limited income and resources pay for some or all of their Medicare costs, including premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. are designed to ease the financial burden of Medicare for low-income beneficiaries.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on May 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

Medicare savings programs do not work with Medicare plans. They only work with under 65 medical healthcare plans

Ben Washington · Answer

You get qualified by your state to help individuals with limited means cover some or all of their out-of-pocket Medicare expenses. like your Medicare Premium Payment Programs, offer financial assistance to pay your Part B Premium as well.

Answered by Ben Washington on April 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, FL, MN, SC, TX & WI

Answered by Ben Washington Medicare Insurance Agent

Lillian Hill · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question! 

Typically offered by the State's Medicaid, assistance program, and depending on what an individual qualifies for whether QMB, SLMB, QI, QDWI, can receive help to pay Medicare premiums for Part A, Part B, as well as Deductibles and Coinsurance costs. Anyone in need should contact their local state office.

Programs:

QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary

SLMB — Specified Low‑Income Medicare Beneficiary

QI — Qualified Individual

QDWI — Qualified Disabled & Working Individuals

🦉

Roberto Alonso · Answer

Medicare Savings Programs ( MSPs) are state-run assistance programs that help low income and/or resources Medicare beneficiaries pay for some or all their Medicare costs. 

These programs are funded by Medicaid but designed specifically to help Medicare beneficiaries.

Upon qualification the program can help you pay for:
 Medicare Part A premium, if you owe one.
Medicare Part B premium.
In some cases even Parts A and B deductible, copays and coinsurance.

There are four MSPs programs:  QMB Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, SLMP Specofoed Low=income Medicare Beneficiary, QI Qualifiying Individual, QDWI, AQualified Disabled and working Individual.

Income and asset limits vary by state. Most states also have resource limits.

When you quslify for any SSP, except QDWI, you are automaticaaly enrolled in "Extra Help" for Medicare Part D which lowers your Presciption drug premiums, deductibles and copays.

Chuck Winslow · Answer

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are special programs that help people with limited income and resources pay for some or all of their Medicare costs. These programs can help cover:

Medicare Part B premiums (which most people pay monthly)

Deductibles

Coinsurance

Copayments


There are four types of Medicare Savings Programs, and eligibility is based on income and assets. If someone qualifies, it could save them hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars each year.

Also, qualifying for an MSP automatically enrolls you in Extra Help, which helps cover prescription drug costs.

Jerry Cohen · Answer

The Medicare Savings Program is a Medicaid-administered program that can assist people with limited income in paying for their Medicare premiums. Depending on income, the MSP may also pay for other cost-sharing expenses. When you enroll in an MSP, you will also automatically get Extra Help, the federal program that helps pay most your Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plan costs. There is no resource test for the MSP programs. This means many Medicare beneficiaries who may not qualify for Medicaid because of excess resources can qualify for an MSP.

Answered by Jerry Cohen on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY

Answered by Jerry Cohen Medicare Insurance Agent

Donald Baker · Answer

If you qualify it can help with your Part B premium as an example. That could add the savings to your Social Security.

Shahnaz Razvi · Answer

You can get help from your state to minimize your Medicare costs. Depending on your situation & income, the State can help pay for your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) premium through the Medicare Savings Program. If you qualify MSA could also pay your Part A  & Part B deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. 
You need to call your state Medicaid office for more info on how to apply or contact your trusted Medicare agent.

Kimberly Griego · Answer

The Medicare Savings Program helps with Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, depending on the level a person qualifies for. From a prescription drug standpoint, it reduces costs significantly for your higher level tier 3 - 5 medications.

Answered by Kimberly Griego on April 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA, AZ, CA & 5 other states

Answered by Kimberly Griego Medicare Insurance Agent

Vanessa McKinney · Answer

The Medicare Saving plans help with cost of premiums, deductibles and copayments. This is coverage for eligible individuals which is administered by Medicaid.

Lara Goulson · Answer

They can help with the cost of your prescriptions which can save you a lot of money if you are eligible. Your broker should help you with this!

Jim Towle · Answer

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help people with limited income and resources pay for some or all of their Medicare costs. These programs are run by individual states, but they are federally funded and follow national guidelines. There are four types of MSPs, and each provides different levels of assistance. Here's a full explanation of how they help:

What Medicare Costs Can MSPs Help With?
MSPs can help cover:

Medicare Part A premiums (hospital insurance)

Medicare Part B premiums (medical insurance)

Part A and/or Part B deductibles

Coinsurance and copayments

Depending on the program and your eligibility, you might get help with just premiums or with premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

The Four Types of Medicare Savings Programs
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program

Helps pay: Part A & Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments

Offers the most comprehensive assistance

Protects you from being billed for services covered by Medicare (except for minimal copays for prescriptions)

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program

Helps pay: Part B premium only

Less coverage than QMB but still reduces monthly costs

Qualifying Individual (QI) Program

Helps pay: Part B premium only

You must reapply each year, and help is first-come, first-served (limited funding)

Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program

Helps pay: Part A premium only

Available to certain disabled individuals under 65 who have returned to work and lost premium-free Part A

Who Qualifies for Medicare Savings Programs?
Eligibility is based on income and asset limits, which vary slightly by state and program. As of 2025 (approximate figures, may vary):

Income limits range from about $1,275 to $1,660/month for individuals

Asset limits range from about $9,430 to $9,940 for individuals
(These limits are higher for married couples.)

States may have different rules, and some may not count all income or assets in the same way.

I can help you apply.

Mercedez Hartline · Answer

Medicare savings programs can help pay for your part b premium, copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and part d copays for medications depending on which program you qualify for. Qualifications are based on your income level.

Answered by Mercedez Hartline on December 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Mercedez Hartline Medicare Insurance Agent

Aaron Young · Answer

The Medicare Savings Program will eliminate your Medicare Part B premium that is deducted from your Social Security check each month. Currently in 2025, that amount is $185 per month. In 2026 the Part B premium increases to $206.50 each month.

Answered by Aaron Young on December 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in OK, AR, GA & 6 other states

Answered by Aaron Young Medicare Insurance Agent

Margaret Winter · Answer

There are four levels of Medicare Savings Programs. Each level has income and asset limits that must be verified with your state of residence. The lower a household income, the greater level of assistance you will receive with a Medicare Savings Program, as long as your asset limits are within the specified amount.

Answered by Margaret Winter on May 28, 2026

Broker Licensed in WI

Answered by Margaret Winter Medicare Insurance Agent

Ceranes Lejulus · Answer

The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is a voluntary payment option for managing out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, allowing a client to spread payments across the year instead of paying the pharmacy directly.

Answered by Ceranes Lejulus on April 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 21 other states

Answered by Ceranes Lejulus Medicare Insurance Agent

Jaime Avery · Answer

There are actually 4 types of Medicare Savings Programs and how they help, depends on which program you're eligible for.  Your eligibility is generally based on your income and might vary by state as well.  

Typically, Medicare Savings Programs help to lower or to cover your premiums.  They are also set up to help lower or cover  deductibles, coinsurance, and the cost of prescription drugs.  They are beneficial for both young adults and older adults who might not qualify for Medicaid so I encourage you to speak with your agent and get clarity on which program will work best for your specific needs.

David McPherson · Answer

It's typically for individuals with limited income and resources and it can help cover some or all of your out of pocket costs associated with Medicare. You can apply for the Medicare Savings Program through the state Medicaid office.

Answered by David McPherson on July 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA & FL

Answered by David McPherson Medicare Insurance Agent

How do Medicare Savings Programs help with Medicare costs?

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