Natalia
If you’re 65+ (or disabled on Medicare) and living on a modest income, you may qualify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)—QMB, SLMB, or QI—and Extra Help for Part D prescriptions.
These programs can pay your Part B premium (standard $185/month in 2025) and slash drug costs to as low as $0 after new 2025 rules.
What these programs cover (quick look)
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Pays Part A & Part B premiums and all Medicare cost-sharing (deductibles, coinsurance, copays) for covered services. Providers generally can’t bill you beyond allowed amounts.
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Pays Part B premium only.
- QI (Qualifying Individual): Pays Part B premium only; apply each year, first-come, first-served with priority to last year’s enrollees.
- Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy): In 2025: $0 premium, $0 deductible, up to $4.90 generic / $12.15 brand at network pharmacies—and $0 per covered drug once total drug costs hit $2,000 under the 2025 Part D redesign.
Note: Limits are higher in Alaska/Hawaii; some states use more flexible counting rules—apply even if you’re slightly over.
2025 Income & Resource Limits (Contiguous U.S.)
| Program | What it Pays | 2025 Monthly Income Limit (Individual / Couple) | 2025 Resource Limit (Individual / Couple) |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | Part A & Part B premiums, all Medicare cost-sharing | $1,325 / $1,783 | $9,660 / $14,470 |
| SLMB | Part B premium | $1,585 / $2,135 | $9,660 / $14,470 |
| QI | Part B premium | $1,781 / $2,400 | $9,660 / $14,470 |
| Extra Help (Part D) | $0 premium, $0 deductible; $4.90 generic / $12.15 brand; $0 after $2,000 total drug costs | $23,475 / $31,725 | $17,600 / $35,130 |
Sources for limits & benefits: official Medicare 2025 pages for MSPs and Extra Help.
Why 2025 is better for prescriptions
The Part D redesign caps annual out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 in 2025 for all Part D enrollees, with an option to spread costs monthly via the Prescription Payment Plan. Extra Help enrollees hit $0 per covered drug once total drug costs reach $2,000.
How to apply (fast steps)
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI): Apply through your state Medicaid office. QI is first-come and requires annual re-application.
- Extra Help: If you’re not enrolled automatically (for example, via Medicaid, SSI, or an MSP), apply online with Social Security. You can apply any time.
Turning 65 doesn’t have to mean higher medical bills. With QMB, SLMB, QI, and Extra Help, you can eliminate the Part B premium, control prescription costs, and—thanks to the 2025 Part D cap—avoid runaway out-of-pocket drug spending.
If you’re even close to the limits, apply—these benefits can save you hundreds each month.
FAQs
Yes. Many people get QMB/SLMB/QI for premiums and Extra Help for prescriptions. Some MSPs even trigger automatic Extra Help enrollment.