California Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)

For many older adults, especially those with chronic conditions, out-of-pocket Medicare costs can add up quickly. In California, there are Medicare Savings Programs that can help pay for Medicare costs. You may qualify for a California Medicare Savings Program if you are enrolled in Medicare–or are about to enroll–and you have a limited income. ## What are the Medicare Savings Programs? Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-run Medicaid programs that help people with low income pay for their Medicare costs. These costs include: - **Premiums**: Money you pay to keep your Medicare plan - **Deductibles**: Money you pay before Medicare pays for your care - **Copays**: A set fee you pay to visit your regular doctor or a specialist There are four MSPs, each with different eligibility rules. Older adults and younger adults with disabilities who may not qualify for full Medicaid may still be able to enroll in one of the MSPs. MSPs are available in every state, but not every type of MSP is offered in every state. Most MSPs are run by a state’s Medicaid office. In California, MSPs are administered by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). ## What are the types of Medicare Savings Programs offered in California? There are four types of MSPs available in California: - **Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)**: This program has the lowest income limit and covers Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copayments for those eligible. - **Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)**: For those eligible, SLMB covers the Medicare Part B premium ($202.90 per month in 2026). - **Qualifying Individual (QI)**: QI is a limited program and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For those eligible, QI covers the Medicare Part B premium. - **Qualified Disabled & Working Individual (QDWI)**: For certain working people with disabilities, this MSP pays the Medicare Part A premium. **Special Needs Plans (SNPs)** You may also want to find out if you qualify for a Special Needs Plan (SNP), which are a special type of Medicare Advantage Plan for people who: - Have both Medicare and Medicaid (including QMB) - Have a serious and disabling chronic medical condition, or - Live in a nursing home, or live at home but have high care needs and could qualify for a nursing home Different Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are available in different areas of the country. You can learn more by contacting California's [Medicare Counseling (HICAP)](https://www.aging.ca.gov/Programs_and_Services/Medicare_Counseling/). You can locate a HICAP office in your area by selecting your county on the [Find Services in My County page](https://www.aging.ca.gov/Find_Services_in_My_County/) or by calling [1-800-434-0222](tel:1-800-434-0222). ## Can I get help paying for prescription drug coverage as well? Once you're in a Medicare Savings Program, or MSP, you will be signed up for the Medicare Part D [Extra Help program](https://benefitscheckup.org/medicare-rx-extra-help-application/) (also called the Low Income Subsidy, or LIS). If you meet the guidelines for Extra Help, you will have low or no deductible and low or no premiums. In general, you will pay much less for your prescriptions. You can learn more about the program and [apply on our website](https://benefitscheckup.org/medicare-rx-extra-help-application-prepare/). ## How do I know if I'm eligible for an MSP in California? You must either be enrolled in Medicare or expect to enroll soon. Each Medicare Savings Program has its own income limit (the most income you can earn in a month to qualify). The monthly income limits for MSPs in California are listed below and are effective as of April 1, 2026: **Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB):** Family size Maximum monthly income (at or below 100% FPL/+ $20 income disregard Individual $ 1,350 Couple $ 1,824 Source: [Medicare.gov](https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs) **Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB):** Family size Maximum monthly income ( between 100-120% FPL/+ $20 disregard) Individual $ 1,616 Couple $ 2,184 Source: [Medicare.gov](https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs) **Qualifying Individual (QI):** Family size Maximum monthly income (between 121-135% FPL/+ $20 disregard) Individual $ 1,816 Couple $ 2,455 Source: [Medicare.gov](https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs) **Qualifying Disabled Working Individual (QDWI):** Family size Maximum monthly income (at or below 200% FPL/+ $20 disregard) Individual $ 2,680 Couple $ 3,628 Source: [LACounty.gov](https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/health/savings.html) As of January 1, 2026: To qualify for an MSP in California, you must also have assets no greater than $130,000 (individual) or $195,000 (couple). Assets are things you own that can be turned into money, like cash, bank accounts, or property (not your home). ## How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in California? Follow the steps below to apply for the California MSPs. **1. Gather important documents** Before you apply, have the following information handy to make your application process easier: - The amount of income you get from jobs and other sources - Your assets, such as bank account and investment account balances - Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, and birth dates of everyone applying or in your household **2. Complete an application** The quickest and easiest way to apply for the MSPs and other public assistance benefits is online through the BenefitsCal.com website. All your personal information is kept 100% private and protected by special security technology. [Create an account on BenefitsCal.com](https://benefitscal.com/Public/login?lang=en) first so you can save your work and refer to it at a later time if needed. [Apply Online](https://benefitscal.com/ApplyForBenefits/begin/ABOVR?lang=en) **APPLY BY MAIL** You can fill out an application form ([available in many languages](https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/eligibility/Pages/SingleStreamApps.aspx)) and mail your completed and signed application to: Covered California P.O. Box 989725 West Sacramento, CA 95798-9725 You can also mail it to your [local county office](http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/CountyOffices.aspx).​ [Download Application](https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/eligibility/Pages/SingleStreamApps.aspx) **APPLY BY PHONE OR IN PERSON** You can find your [local county office](https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/forms/Forms/MEB%20Translated%20Forms/MC14a-countylist.pdf) to apply for a California Medicare Savings Program in person. There's also an option to apply by phone by simply calling the Medi-Cal Helpline at [1-800-541-5555](tel:1-800-541-5555). If you have any questions, we're here to help. NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. ## How can I get help with my application? - Contacting your [local county office](https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/forms/Forms/MEB%20Translated%20Forms/MC14a-countylist.pdf). - Calling the Medi-Cal Helpline at [1-800-541-5555](tel:1-800-541-5555). - Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you.[ ](https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-you)[See if there’s one in your area](https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-you). **NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. Call [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.**