Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
"Extra Help" is a program to help people with limited income and resources pay Part D premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs.
Eligibility rules are on the official page.
- Programs
- Senior benefits
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
Run by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (run by state Medicaid agencies)
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What it is
Helps pay for: Part B premiums only (You must have both Part A and Part B to qualify.)
Also called: SLMB, Medicare Savings Program, Part B premium help
Who qualifies
People with Medicare Part A whose monthly income and resources are under the limits on the source page (higher in Alaska and Hawaii; some states disregard more).
The official page has the full rules, which change. Check it before you apply.
How to apply
Apply through your state Medicaid agency; the source page explains what each program pays and how to contact your state.
Related programs
PBGC Unclaimed Pensions
Did your pension plan fail? If PBGC is now the "trustee" responsible for paying your benefits, search trusteed plans to find information about your plan. Search trusteed plans by:
Eligibility rules are on the official page.
Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program
Helps pay for: Part A premiums only
Eligibility rules are on the official page.
Benefit: Income limit $5,405/month (individual), $7,299/month (couple); resource limit $4,000 / $6,000 (2026)
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
Helps pay for: Part A premiums (if you don't have premium-free Part A); Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments (for services and items Medicare covers).
Eligibility rules are on the official page.
Benefit: Income limit $1,350/month (individual), $1,824/month (couple); resource limit $9,950 / $14,910 (2026)
Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
Helps pay for: Part B premiums (You must have both Part A and Part B to qualify.)
Eligibility rules are on the official page.
Benefit: Income limit $1,816/month (individual), $2,455/month (couple); resource limit $9,950 / $14,910 (2026)
VA Pension for Wartime Veterans
VA pension benefits are available to some wartime Veterans and their survivors—find out if you’re eligible to apply.
Eligibility rules are on the official page.