Here are the 2026 Medicare Savings limits for Alabama, with the asset rules and application steps that apply there. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026, or $2,434.80 a year, so a Medicare Savings Program can free up real money on a fixed income.
Updated October 18, 2026. The details for Alabama come from the official and legal aid sources listed at the bottom of this page. Confirm with your state Medicaid office before you apply.
| Program | Individual | Couple | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | $1,350/mo | $1,824/mo | Part B premium, deductibles & copays + auto Extra Help |
| SLMB | $1,616/mo | $2,184/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
| QI-1 | $1,816/mo | $2,455/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
Alabama follows the federal income limits and drops the asset test. Alabama Medicaid's Form 207 handout, effective February 2026, lists the same figures as the table above and says the resource limits do not apply.
The couple rule is spelled out in detail. If both spouses have Medicare, their combined income cannot exceed the couple limit. If only one spouse has Medicare, the combined income of both spouses cannot exceed the couple limit, and the spouse with Medicare cannot have income above the individual limit.
Tier matters for timing and money. QMB starts the month after Medicaid approval and gives you a Medicaid card. SLMB and QI-1 pay the Part B premium only, with no card, and coverage may start up to three months before the month you applied. QI-1 funding is limited, and when it runs out no more applications are approved.
All three Medicare Savings Programs pay your Medicare Part B premium — currently one of the biggest fixed costs for anyone on a limited income. But they're not identical:
You qualify for whichever tier matches your income — you don't choose between them, and Medicaid determines the right one automatically based on what you report on your application.
Alabama has no resource limit for the Medicare Savings Program. Your savings, investments and property do not count against you. Only income and household composition matter.
MSP denials are appealable in every state — a common reason for denial is a paperwork gap (missing income verification, an asset statement not submitted) rather than a genuine eligibility mismatch. Most states give you a window of at least 30–90 days to request a fair hearing. If your income is only slightly over the limit, ask specifically about income disregards — several categories of income (like certain wage income or in-kind support) may not count the way you'd expect.
If you qualify for an MSP, it's worth checking these at the same time, since eligibility criteria often overlap:
In Alabama, QMB starts the month after Medicaid approval. SLMB and QI-1 may start up to three months before the month you applied when you met the requirements. QI-1 funds run out, so apply early in the year. If you are within a few months of turning 65 or newly enrolling in Medicare, apply for a Medicare Savings Program at the same time.
Does my Social Security count as income for this?
Yes — Social Security benefits count toward the income limit, though some states exclude a portion of earned income if you're still working part-time.
Can I qualify for Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?
Yes — MSP recipients are sometimes referred to as "dual eligible," and having both isn't unusual. Full Medicaid eligibility (beyond just MSP) depends on separate, typically lower income limits.
Will my MSP status change my Medicare coverage itself?
No — MSPs don't change what Medicare covers medically. They only affect who pays the premiums and cost-sharing amounts you'd otherwise owe out of pocket.
Is there an asset limit in Alabama?
No. Alabama Medicaid's 2026 handout says the resource limits do not apply for the Medicare Savings Program.
How does the spouse rule work in Alabama?
If both spouses have Medicare, combined income cannot exceed the couple limit. If only one has Medicare, combined income cannot exceed the couple limit and that spouse's own income cannot exceed the individual limit.
Does QI-1 run out of money in Alabama?
Funding for QI-1 is limited. Alabama Medicaid says that when funds are used up, no more applications will be approved.
Recipient Call Center: 1-800-362-1504 (toll free)
General Medicaid questions: 1-334-242-5000
Mail: PO Box 5624, Montgomery, AL 36103-5624
Do I need to reapply every year?
Most states require an annual redetermination to confirm your income and (where applicable) assets still qualify — your state Medicaid agency will typically mail a renewal notice before your coverage would lapse. Losing MSP coverage because a renewal notice went to an old address is common and avoidable, so keep your contact information current with Medicaid.
What if my income changes partway through the year?
Report it. An increase that pushes you over the limit doesn't always mean immediate loss of coverage — some states have income disregards or grace periods — but not reporting a change can create a repayment obligation later. It's better to report and find out you still qualify than to stay quiet and risk a clawback.