Medicare Savings Programs in Minnesota: 2026 income limits and how to apply

What the programs pay

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): pays your Part A premium if you owe one, your Part B premium ($202.90 a month in 2026), and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays.
• SLMB (Service Limited Medicare Beneficiary): pays your Part B premium.
• QI (Qualified Individual): pays your Part B premium. Money for QI is limited and given out first come, first served.
• QWD (Qualified Working Disabled): pays the Part A premium for some working people under 65 with disabilities.

If you get any MSP, you also get Extra Help with Part D drug costs, with no separate application.

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Who qualifies

You must have Medicare and live in Minnesota. Minnesota uses the federal poverty guidelines, and the dollar limits change each July 1.

The asset limit is higher in Minnesota

What counts and what does not

• Income: Social Security, pensions and other income count. Some income is not counted, so apply even if you are a little over.
• Assets: savings and other assets count toward the limit. Ask your county which of your assets are excluded.
• Account check: if you are 65 or older, the state checks your financial accounts electronically through its Asset Verification Service.

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How to apply

1. Pick the right form. Use the MHCP Application for Certain Populations (DHS-3876) if everyone in your home is 65 or older, blind or disabled, or if you are applying only for a Medicare Savings Program. You can also apply online through MNsure. Health care is not part of MNbenefits.
2. Fill it out with your income, savings and Medicare information.
3. Allow the account check. Adults 65 and over must let the state's Asset Verification Service check their financial accounts electronically.
4. Send it to your county or Tribal human services office.
5. Answer any letters. Your county may ask for proof of income or savings.

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Which level fits you

• If your income is under about $1,350 a month (one person), you likely fit QMB. This is the most help: Medicare deductibles and copays are covered too, not just the Part B premium.
• If it is between that and about $1,616, you likely fit SLMB.
• If it is between that and about $1,816, you likely fit QI.

You do not need to pick. The county checks you for the level that fits. Every level pays the Part B premium of $202.90 a month, which is a large share of a small income.

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How MSPs fit with other help

• Medical Assistance (MA): Minnesota's full Medicaid program for people 65 and over has lower limits: income at or below 100% of poverty and assets of $3,000 for one person. If you qualify for MA, it helps with costs Medicare does not pay.
• Extra Help: any MSP gives you Extra Help with your Part D drug plan automatically.

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After you are approved

• Renew when your county sends a renewal, and report changes in income, savings or address.
• QI is first come, first served, so apply early in the year and renew on time.
• If you are denied, your notice explains how to appeal. Read it right away, because there is a deadline.

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Things people miss

• Savings above the federal limit may be fine. Minnesota allows up to $10,000 for one person.
• You may get Medical Assistance too. If your income and assets are low enough, ask about full Medical Assistance, which covers more.
• Extra Help comes with any MSP. You do not need to apply separately.
• The limits rise each July 1. If you were over last year, check again.

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Free help

• Minnesota Aging Pathways (formerly the Senior LinkAge Line): Minnesota's free Medicare counseling program. Call 1-800-333-2433, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or use live chat at mn.gov/aging-pathways. Counselors can help you fill out the form.
• Your county or Tribal human services office takes MSP applications.

For other programs, see all benefits in Minnesota. Learn more about Medicare Part B and Extra Help.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Minnesota agencies

Check what you may qualify for