Here are the 2026 Medicare Savings limits for Alaska, 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 Alaska 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 | $1,683/mo | $2,275/mo | Part B premium, deductibles & copays + auto Extra Help |
| SLMB | $2,015/mo | $2,725/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
| QI | $2,265/mo | $3,064/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
Alaska uses the federal Medicare Savings rules, but the poverty level that sets the limits is higher in Alaska than in the lower 48. The SSA Program Operations Manual lists the 2026 Alaska figures as $1,683 for QMB, $2,015 for SLMB and $2,265 for QI for one person, with the $20 disregard already included.
The asset limits are the federal ones: $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple. Be careful with older web pages. One we checked still lists limits of $7,860 and $11,800, which are out of date, along with older income numbers.
The Department of Public Assistance administers the programs. Alaska has an online screener called ARIES where you can check what you may qualify for. In person help is available at regional Medicaid offices.
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.
Alaska uses the federal limit: $9,950 for one person or $14,910 for a couple. Bank accounts, stocks and bonds count. Your home and one vehicle generally do not. Ask how a retirement account would be treated before you assume it is exempt.
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:
Alaska's published pages do not say how far back coverage reaches, so ask when your first covered month will be. Under federal rules, QMB starts the month after approval, while SLMB and QI can reimburse up to three months of Part B premiums already paid. 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.
Why are Alaska's Medicare Savings limits higher than other states?
The federal poverty level is higher in Alaska, and the Medicare Savings limits are built on it. For 2026 the single person limits are $1,683, $2,015 and $2,265 a month.
What is Alaska's asset limit for Medicare Savings?
Alaska uses the federal asset limit: $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple.
Who administers Medicare Savings in Alaska?
The Department of Public Assistance. You can start with the ARIES screener at aries.alaska.gov.
Screener: aries.alaska.gov
Free counseling (SHIP): 907-269-3680 or 800-478-6065
Contact details come from a Medicare Resources guide. We found no applicant phone number on the state page we checked.
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.