Best States for Medicare Savings Programs in 2026

Original analysis by SavedNest · Based on our full 2026 dataset covering all 50 states and DC · Last updated 2026

We built this ranking from the same dataset behind our state-by-state Medicare Savings Program guides — income limits and asset rules for QMB, SLMB, and QI in every state. Two things actually separate a generous state from an average one: whether it sets income limits above the federal floor, and whether it drops the asset test entirely. Most states don't do either. A few do both.

The three tiers

Tier 1 — Higher Limits (5 states)

Set their own income limits above the federal baseline. Highest ceiling: DC, at more than double the federal QI limit.

Tier 2 — No Asset Test (10 states)

Federal income limits, but no asset/resource test — savings and retirement accounts don't count against eligibility.

Tier 3 — Federal Baseline (36 states)

Federal income limits and a federal asset test ($9,950 single / $14,910 couple in 2026).

Methodology: States are ranked primarily by their QI (Qualifying Individual) income limit for a single applicant — the highest of the three MSP tiers and the most sensitive to state-level generosity. Where income limits tie at the federal baseline, states that waive the asset/resource test entirely are ranked above those that don't, since the asset test is often the harder barrier to qualifying in practice. Data reflects 2026 federal poverty level guidelines and state Medicaid agency policy as of publication.

Full ranking, all 51

#StateQI Income Limit (single)Asset Limit (single)Notes
1 District of Columbia $4,010/mo None Higher Limits
2 Connecticut $3,209/mo None Higher Limits
3 Massachusetts $2,993/mo None Higher Limits
4 Alaska $2,265/mo $9,950 Higher Limits
5 Hawaii $2,086/mo $9,950 Higher Limits
6 Alabama $1,816/mo None No Asset Test
7 Arizona $1,816/mo None No Asset Test
8 Arkansas $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
9 California $1,816/mo $130,000 Federal baseline
10 Colorado $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
11 Delaware $1,816/mo None No Asset Test
12 Florida $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
13 Georgia $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
14 Idaho $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
15 Illinois $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
16 Indiana $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
17 Iowa $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
18 Kansas $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
19 Kentucky $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
20 Louisiana $1,816/mo None No Asset Test
21 Maine $1,816/mo None No Asset Test
22 Maryland $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
23 Michigan $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
24 Minnesota $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
25 Mississippi $1,816/mo None No Asset Test
26 Missouri $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
27 Montana $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
28 Nebraska $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
29 Nevada $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
30 New Hampshire $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
31 New Jersey $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
32 New Mexico $1,816/mo None No Asset Test
33 New York $1,816/mo None No Asset Test
34 North Carolina $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
35 North Dakota $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
36 Ohio $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
37 Oklahoma $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
38 Oregon $1,816/mo None No Asset Test
39 Pennsylvania $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
40 Rhode Island $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
41 South Carolina $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
42 South Dakota $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
43 Tennessee $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
44 Texas $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
45 Utah $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
46 Vermont $1,816/mo None No Asset Test
47 Virginia $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
48 Washington $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
49 West Virginia $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
50 Wisconsin $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline
51 Wyoming $1,816/mo $9,950 Federal baseline

What this means if you're checking your own eligibility

If your state falls in Tier 3, don't assume you don't qualify — the federal income limits still leave real room, especially for QI (up to $1,816/month single in most states). The asset test is the part that trips people up: retirement accounts, a second vehicle, and modest savings can all count against you depending on the state. Tier 1 and Tier 2 states are meaningfully easier to qualify for on that front.

Check your exact state's limits and how to apply

Full income limits, asset rules, and application steps for all 50 states plus DC.

Browse All State Guides