In 2026, the federal Medicare Savings Program asset limits are $9,950 for an individual and $14,910 for a married couple, according to Medicare.gov. These are the federal floors — some states waive or raise the asset test entirely, so a parent over the limit in one state may still qualify in another. The programs also apply income limits, starting with the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary limit of $1,350 for an individual and $1,824 for a couple in 2026.
Savings Programs
Medicare Savings Program Asset Limits: The $9,950 / $14,910 Federal Floor and How States Can Waive It (2026)
By Chuck Brodsky, Co-Founder, MediNav — Updated July 2026 — 7 min read
Quick answer
If a parent is struggling with Medicare premiums and cost-sharing, the Medicare Savings Programs can pay some or all of those costs — and the asset test that families assume disqualifies them is more flexible than it looks. Knowing the federal floor and that states can waive it is the difference between assuming your parent does not qualify and finding out they do.
The 2026 federal asset limits
The Medicare Savings Programs use a resource, or asset, test with a 2026 federal floor of $9,950 for an individual and $14,910 for a couple, per Medicare.gov. Countable assets generally include money in checking and savings accounts and other liquid resources. They generally exclude your parent's home, one car, and certain burial funds. This is a floor, not a national ceiling, which is the point most families miss.
How states can change the asset test
States are allowed to waive or expand the asset test for the Medicare Savings Programs. A number of states have eliminated the asset test entirely, so only income is counted, and a parent with modest savings who is over the federal floor can still qualify. Because the rules differ by state, a parent's eligibility can turn on where they live. See which states have no Medicaid asset test to check your parent's state.
The income limits, program by program
The Medicare Savings Programs have income limits that rise as the program covers less. The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program, which covers the most, has a 2026 income limit of $1,350 for an individual and $1,824 for a couple. The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program limit is $1,616 for an individual and $2,184 for a couple. The Qualifying Individual program limit is $1,816 for an individual and $2,455 for a couple. These federal figures are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
What each program pays
The programs differ in what they cover. The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program pays Part A and Part B premiums and generally protects your parent from Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary and Qualifying Individual programs pay the Part B premium. Qualifying for any of them also automatically qualifies your parent for Extra Help with Part D drug costs, which is often worth more than the premium relief itself.
What a caregiver should do
Do not rule your parent out on assets alone. Check the federal floor — $9,950 individual, $14,910 couple — but then check whether their state has waived or expanded the asset test, because many have. Then compare their monthly income against the program limits. Because the asset rules and some income rules vary by state, applying is the only way to get a definitive answer, and a denial in one category does not rule out another.
For related reading, see which states have no Medicaid asset test.
When to call MediNav
- Free: Ask a specific question — tell us your parent’s state and finances and get a straight answer on likely eligibility.
- Free: Run the coverage check — in about two minutes, see what a parent is likely eligible for with 2026 figures for your state.
- Paid ($9–$19/mo): MediNav Watch and Watch+ re-check the figures as they change each year and remind you before deadlines, so nothing lapses unnoticed.
Related guides
- Which States Have No Asset Test? — where a parent’s savings never count
- The Medicare Savings Programs — QMB, SLMB, and QI explained
- What Is Extra Help? — the drug subsidy MSP unlocks automatically
- Is My Parent Dual-Eligible? — the most complete low-cost coverage
Frequently asked questions
What if my parent's savings are just over $9,950?
Check their state before assuming they are disqualified. Many states have waived or raised the Medicare Savings Program asset test, so a parent over the $9,950 federal individual floor can still qualify where the state counts only income. The $9,950 and $14,910 figures are federal floors, not national ceilings.
Which assets count toward the limit?
Countable resources generally include checking and savings balances and other liquid assets. They generally exclude your parent's primary home, one vehicle, and certain burial funds. Because states can modify the asset test, confirm how a specific state treats resources when you apply.
What are the 2026 income limits?
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary limit is $1,350 for an individual and $1,824 for a couple. The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary limit is $1,616 and $2,184. The Qualifying Individual limit is $1,816 and $2,455. These are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
Does qualifying help with drug costs too?
Yes. Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program automatically enrolls your parent in Extra Help, which lowers Part D drug costs. For many families, that drug-cost help is worth more than the premium assistance, which makes applying worthwhile even when the premium relief alone seems small.
Why does eligibility depend on the state?
Because states can waive or expand the asset test and can differ in how they apply some income rules. The $9,950 / $14,910 asset figures are the federal floor; a state can set a more generous rule. That is why a parent's state is central to whether they qualify.
Should my parent apply even if they might be over a limit?
Yes. Because asset rules vary by state and the programs have different limits, the only reliable way to know is to apply. Being over the limit for one program does not rule out another, and state waivers may make your parent eligible despite modest savings.
Sources: Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid.gov — Medicare Savings Programs. Last verified July 2026.