See Illinois's 2026 income limits for QMB, SLMB, and QI, and how to apply through Illinois Medical Assistance Program. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026, or $2,434.80 a year, before counting deductibles or coinsurance — for someone on a fixed income, an MSP can be the difference between affording routine care and skipping it.
Updated October 18, 2026. The details for Illinois come from the official and legal aid sources listed at the bottom of this page. Federal figures match our main Medicare Savings guide. Confirm with your state Medicaid office before you apply.
| Program | Individual | Couple | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | $1,355/mo | $1,829/mo | Part B premium, deductibles & copays + auto Extra Help |
| SLMB (Illinois: SLIB) | $1,621/mo | $2,189/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
| QI-1 | $1,821/mo | $2,460/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
Illinois counts income a little differently from the federal baseline. The state disregards $25 of income, not $20, so the limits in the table above run slightly higher than in most states. Illinois's own chart lists $1,330, $1,596 and $1,796 for one person and tells applicants to add $25 to their income before comparing. The chart also notes that the exact figures are posted in early April, so small changes are possible.
Illinois uses its own names. The middle tier appears as SLIB, and the top tier is called QI-1. Coverage timing differs by tier. QMB premiums are paid starting the month after your eligibility is decided. For SLMB and QI-1, the state pays the Part B premium for the month you applied and may reach back another three months.
The Department of Human Services makes the decision. Its application is available on the HFS website, and the state says a face to face interview is not required. The HFS brochure we read was last revised in August 2023, so confirm the phone number below before you call.
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.
Illinois applies the federal limit: $9,950 for an individual or $14,910 for a couple. The state deducts a burial allowance of $1,500 (single) or $3,000 (couple) first. Your home, one car, burial plots and furniture do not count. Bank accounts, stocks and bonds do.
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 Illinois, QMB starts the month after the decision, so there is no catch up for earlier months. SLMB and QI-1 pay the Part B premium for the month you applied and may reach back up to three more months. If your income is close to the QMB line, ask which tier you land in, because the tier changes how far back you can be reimbursed. 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 Illinois limits higher than the federal table?
Illinois disregards $25 of income instead of $20. The state's chart lists $1,330, $1,596 and $1,796 for one person and says to add $25, which gives the $1,355, $1,621 and $1,821 shown above.
How far back can Illinois pay my Part B premium?
For SLMB and QI-1, Illinois pays the premium for the month you applied and may backdate up to three more months. QMB starts the month after your eligibility is decided.
Do I need an interview to apply in Illinois?
No. The Illinois HFS brochure says a face to face interview is not required. You can apply by phone or with the downloadable form.
Phone: 1-800-843-6154 (TTY 1-800-447-6404)
Forms: HFS 3757, Medicare Savings for Qualified Beneficiaries
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.