See Oregon's 2026 income limits for QMB, SLMB, and QI, and how to apply through Oregon Health Plan. 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 Oregon 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 | $1,350/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 | $1,816/mo | $2,455/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
Oregon's Department of Human Services says plainly that there are no asset limits for these programs. That matters if you have modest savings, a small investment account or a second car, because those would disqualify you in many other states.
Oregon calls the Qualifying Individual benefit SMF. It works like QI but has a yearly enrollment cap, and the state must close enrollment if the cap is reached. You also cannot receive SMF if you are eligible for another Oregon Medicaid benefit. QDWI exists, but most Oregonians with a disability who work qualify for the Employed Persons with Disabilities program instead, which provides full Medicaid.
Oregon updates its limits each March and the current set runs from March 2026 through February 2027. The state publishes the poverty level amounts ($1,330, $1,596 and $1,796 for one person). The table above adds the standard $20 income disregard, and your caseworker applies any other disregards when counting your income. The state says it will tell you whether you are approved within 45 days of your application date.
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.
Oregon has no asset limit for QMB, SLMB or QI. Your savings, investments and property do not affect eligibility. Income is what the Department of Human Services looks at.
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:
Oregon's program page does not say how far back coverage reaches, so ask when your first covered month will be. Federal rules start QMB the month after approval and let SLMB and QI reimburse up to three months of premiums. Because SMF has a yearly cap, applying early in the year gives you the best chance of a slot. 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.
Can I have savings and still qualify in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon's Department of Human Services states that there are no asset limits for Medicare Savings Programs, so only your income is tested.
What is SMF in Oregon?
SMF is Oregon's name for the Qualifying Individual benefit, which pays the Part B premium. It has a yearly enrollment cap, and you cannot get it if you qualify for another Oregon Medicaid benefit.
How long does Oregon take to decide?
The Department of Human Services says it will tell you whether you are approved within 45 days of your application date.
Online: one.oregon.gov
ONE Customer Service Center: 1-800-699-9075
Aging and Disability Resource Connection: 1-855-673-2372
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.