Can my parent get help paying for Medicare?
Two programs help people with limited income and savings. Extra Help lowers drug costs. State Medicare Savings Programs pay the Part B premium, and sometimes more. Here are the 2026 limits and how to apply.
Medicare says to apply even if you don't think your parent qualifies. Some states use higher limits than the federal ones.
What kinds of help are there?
Extra Help is a federal program that helps pay for Medicare drug coverage (Part D). Social Security runs it.
Medicare Savings Programs are run by each state. They help pay the Part B premium. One of them, the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program (QMB), also helps pay Part B deductibles, coinsurance and copays. It can also pay the Part A premium for people who have to pay one.
People who get a Medicare Savings Program, full Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) get Extra Help automatically.
Extra Help: who can get it?
The 2026 limits are in the table below. Income is yearly. Resources means savings and other things you own that count.
With Extra Help in 2027, your parent pays no more than $5.80 for each generic drug and $14.40 for each brand-name drug that the plan covers.
To apply, go to Social Security's Extra Help page. A free State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor can help you apply.
Medicare Savings Programs: who can get them?
The federal limits for 2026 are in the table below. Income is monthly. The limits are a little higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
Your parent may still qualify in their state even if their income or savings are above these limits. Each state runs its own program, so apply through the state Medicaid office.
People in the Qualifying Individual program (QI) must apply again every year. States approve QI on a first-come, first-served basis.
See what Extra Help changes in their drug costs
Our plan finder can price your parent's drugs with Extra Help. Open the plan finder and enter their ZIP code and drugs. Then answer “Medicaid / Extra Help” with Extra Help to see the difference.
Where to get free help applying
A SHIP counselor gives free, one-on-one help and does not sell plans. Find free Medicare counseling in your state. Your state Medicaid office handles Medicare Savings Programs.
| Single | Married couple | |
|---|---|---|
| Income limit | $23,940 | $32,460 |
| Resource limit | $18,090 | $36,100 |
Source: Medicare.gov, checked 2026-10-26. Social Security makes the final decision.
| Program | What it pays | Single | Married couple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) | Part A premium (if any), Part B premium, deductibles, coinsurance and copays | $1,350 / $9,950 | $1,824 / $14,910 |
| Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) | Part B premium | $1,616 / $9,950 | $2,184 / $14,910 |
| Qualifying Individual (QI) | Part B premium | $1,816 / $9,950 | $2,455 / $14,910 |
| Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) | Part A premium, for people under 65 who went back to work and lost premium-free Part A | $5,405 / $4,000 | $7,299 / $6,000 |
Source: Medicare.gov, checked 2026-10-26. Limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii, and some states use higher limits.
Checklist
- Gather your parent's income amounts and bank, savings and investment statements.
- Apply for Extra Help through Social Security.
- Apply for a Medicare Savings Program through your parent's state Medicaid office.
- If they get QI, put a reminder on the calendar to apply again next year.
- Compare drug plans with Extra Help turned on.
Common questions
Does my parent have to apply for Extra Help?
Not always. Some people get it with no form to fill out. That is true for people on full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or SSI. Everyone else applies through Social Security.
What is the income limit for Extra Help in 2026?
$23,940 a year for one person and $32,460 for a married couple. The resource limit is $18,090 for one person and $36,100 for a couple.
Who runs Medicare Savings Programs?
Each state runs its own. Apply through your state Medicaid office. Some states use higher limits than the federal ones.
Should my parent apply if they are a little over the limit?
Medicare says to apply even if you don't think you qualify. Some states have higher limits, and the program decides.
Do you know what to do next?
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Sources
- Written by
- The PlanScout team. Updated Oct 26, 2026.
- Corrections
- See something wrong? Tell us. We fix confirmed errors within 2 business days and note the change in the page's change log.
Sources (3)
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs (retrieved Oct 26, 2026)
- Medicare.gov — Help with drug costs (Extra Help) (retrieved Oct 26, 2026)
- Social Security — Apply for Extra Help
This guide is general information, not medical, legal, or financial advice. Confirm details with the provider, your plan, or a licensed professional.