Here are the 2026 Medicare Savings limits for Ohio, 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 Ohio 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 |
Ohio calls these the Medicare Premium Assistance Programs. Ohio Medicaid's 2026 chart lists QMB at 100 percent of poverty, SLMB at 120 percent and QI-1 at 135 percent, and it gives amounts by household size: $1,330, $1,596 and $1,796 for one person, and $1,804, $2,164 and $2,435 for two. The table above adds the standard $20 disregard to those.
The chart lists amounts out to twelve people, which helps if you care for relatives in your household. A three person household, for example, has a QMB amount of $2,277 and an SLMB amount of $2,732 before the disregard.
The chart does not list resource limits or how to apply. NCOA lists the federal asset limit for Ohio, and the state sends you to your county Department of Job and Family Services for the application.
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.
NCOA lists the federal limit for Ohio: $9,950 for an individual or $14,910 for a couple. Ohio Medicaid's chart does not list resource limits, so ask your county office what counts.
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:
This state'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.
What does Ohio call Medicare Savings?
Ohio Medicaid calls them the Medicare Premium Assistance Programs: QMB, SLMB and QI-1.
Does Ohio list limits for larger households?
Yes. The 2026 chart goes up to twelve people. For three people, QMB is $2,277 and SLMB is $2,732 before the disregard.
Where do I apply in Ohio?
Contact your county Department of Job and Family Services.
Information: Ohio Department of Medicaid
Application: your county Department of Job and Family Services
The state chart lists no phone number. Confirm contact details before you apply.
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.