Michigan Medicare Savings Programs

Medicare isn’t free. You’ll still have some costs, such as monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. If you live in Michigan and have low income, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to help pay for some or all of these “out-of-pocket” expenses.

MSPs can make Medicare more affordable for people who are already enrolled—or getting ready to sign up.

What are the Michigan Medicare Savings Programs?

The 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 Michigan, MSPs are handled by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the department that runs the Medicaid program.

What are the types of Medicare Savings Programs offered in Michigan?

All four MSPs are available in Michigan:

• 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).

• Additional Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (ALMB); also known as Qualified Individual (QI): ALMB is a limited program and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For those eligible, ALMB covers the Medicare Part B premium.

• Qualified Disabled & Working Individual (QDWI): This program is less common than the other three MSPs. It helps pay for the Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) premium. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A. But if you’re younger than 65 with a disability, and you returned to work (after collecting Social Security Disability benefits while out of work), you no longer qualify for premium-free Part A. QDWI does not cover the Part B premium.

Special Needs Plans (SNPs)

You may also want to find out if you qualify for a Special Needs Plan (SNP). SNPs are a special type of Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan for people who need extra help paying for and managing their care.

You may qualify for an SNP if you meet one of the following conditions:

• You have both Medicare and Medicaid (including QMB).

• You have a serious and disabling chronic medical condition.

• You live in a nursing home, or you live at home but have high care needs and could qualify for a nursing home.

Different SNPs are available in different areas of the country. Learn more by contacting the Medicaid Beneficiary Help Line at 1-800-642-3195 or 1-866-501-5656 (TTY).

Can I get help paying for my prescription drugs in Michigan?

Once you're enrolled in a Michigan Medicare Savings Program, you will be signed up for the Medicare Part D Extra Help program. If you meet the guidelines for Extra Help, you will have a low (or no) deductible and a low (or no) premium.

In general, you will pay much less for your prescriptions. You can learn more about Extra Help and even apply on our website.

How do I know if I'm eligible for an MSP in Michigan?

You must either be enrolled in Medicare or expect to enroll soon. Each program has its own income limit (the most you can earn in a month to qualify) The monthly income limits for MSPs in Michigan are listed below and are effective as of March 1, 2026 (note that these limits include a $20 income disregard):

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

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

Qualifying Individual (QI):

Family size Maximum monthly income (between 121-135% FPL/+ $20 disregard)

Individual $ 1,816

Couple $ 2,455

Source: Medicare.gov

Qualifying Disabled Working Individual (QDWI):

Family size Maximum monthly income (at or below 400% FPL/+ $20 disregard)

Individual $ 5,405

Couple $ 7,299

Source: Medicare.gov

To qualify for the QMB, SLMB, and QI MSP programs in Michigan, you must also have resources no greater than $9,950 (individual) or $14,910 (couple). Resources are things you own that can be turned into money, like cash, bank accounts, or property (not your home). The resource limits for the QDWI program are $4,000 (individual) and $6,000 (couple).

If you need help with your Medicare costs, you should apply for the MSPs—even if you think your income might be too high. Certain types of income are not counted, and the only way to know for certain if you qualify is to apply.

How do I apply for the Medicare Savings Programs in Michigan?

Follow the steps below to apply for the Michigan MSPs.

1. Gather important documents

Before you apply, it may be helpful to gather the following information to make your application process easier:

• The amount of income you get from jobs and other sources

• Asset information, such as bank 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 Medicare Savings Programs is online through the MI Bridges portal.

All your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology

Apply on MI Bridge

APPLY BY MAIL OR BY PHONE

To apply by mail, you must first download, print, and complete an application.

Once you have printed and completed the application, mail it to:

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Health Insurance Affordability Program

P.O. Box 8123

Royal Oak, MI 48068-9985

You can also call the Medicaid Beneficiary Help Line at 1-800-642-319 or 1-866-501-5656(TTY).

How can I get help with my Michigan Medicare Savings Programs application?

To get help with your application, you can:

• Call the Michigan State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at 1-800-803-7174.

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. Call [1-800-794-6559](tel:+18007946559) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.