Massachusetts uses poverty percentages that sit far above the federal floor. QMB reaches 190 percent of the federal poverty level, and the higher tier reaches 225 percent. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026, or $2,434.80 a year.
Updated October 18, 2026. The details for Massachusetts 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 (up to 190% of poverty) | about $2,527/mo | about $3,426/mo | Part B premium, deductibles & copays + auto Extra Help |
| SLMB and QI (190% to 225%) | up to about $2,993/mo | up to about $4,057/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
MassHealth states its limits as percentages. QMB, which MassHealth used to call Senior Buy-In, covers income up to 190 percent of the federal poverty level. SLMB and QI, formerly called Buy-In, cover income above 190 percent and up to 225 percent. MassHealth updates the limits every March 1. We multiplied those percentages by the 2026 poverty guidelines to get the monthly figures in the table, so treat them as close estimates.
Be careful with figures you find elsewhere. Some charts still show lower numbers built on older poverty guidelines, so check the date and the percentage behind any dollar amount.
There is no asset test for the Medicare Savings Programs alone. If you apply for full MassHealth at the same time, some benefits do carry countable asset limits of $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for a couple. MassHealth does not seek estate recovery for the Medicare Savings Programs. You can enroll in Part B at any time without a late penalty if you are approved for a Medicare Savings Program.
If your income is higher, the Health Safety Net may help with some medical bills at up to 300 percent of poverty.
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.
Massachusetts has no asset test when you apply for a Medicare Savings Program only. If you apply for full MassHealth at the same time, some benefits have countable asset limits of $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for a couple.
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:
MassHealth's FAQ does 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. Limits are updated every March 1. 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.
What are the Massachusetts income limits for Medicare Savings?
QMB covers income up to 190 percent of the federal poverty level, and SLMB and QI cover income above 190 percent up to 225 percent. MassHealth updates them each March 1.
Does Massachusetts have an asset test for Medicare Savings?
No, not for the Medicare Savings Programs alone. If you apply for full MassHealth too, some benefits carry asset limits of $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for a couple.
Which application should I use in Massachusetts?
Use the MSP application for Medicare Savings only, the SACA-2 if you are 65 or older or need long-term care, or the ACA-3 if you are under 65.
Phone: (800) 841-2900, TTY 711 (weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Website: mass.gov/masshealth
Free help: SHINE counselors through your local ASAP
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.