See Texas's 2026 income limits for QMB, SLMB, and QI, and how to apply through Texas Medicaid (STAR/STAR+PLUS). 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 Texas 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 |
Texas applications use Form H1200, the Your Texas Benefits application. If you are on the Social Security Administration's Low Income Subsidy list, you may instead get a shorter Form H1200-EZ in the mail. That list also starts a 45 day clock for the state to process your Medicare Savings application.
QMB applicants must show proof of Part A, such as a Medicare card or a Social Security enrollment letter. If you have no proof, you need to enroll with Social Security yourself first. Texas is a buy-in state with no restricted enrollment period, so the state can add Part A or Part B at any time.
Coverage start dates differ by tier. QMB begins the first day of the month after the decision and does not reach back to the three months before your application. SLMB may begin with the month you applied and can include up to three prior months. QI works the same way but cannot reach into the previous calendar year. People on QMB receive a Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card.
The state's Medicaid handbook also says that transfer of assets, spousal impoverishment and co-payment policies do not apply to these programs. Its income chapters show March 2024 figures and were last revised in June 2024, so rely on the 2026 table above and confirm with the Health and Human Services Commission.
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.
Texas ties its limit to the federal amount and updates it each year. For 2026 that is $9,950 for an individual or $14,910 for a couple. The handbook chapter we read still lists the 2024 amount of $9,430 and $14,130, so ask the Health and Human Services Commission which figure applies. Your home and one car usually do not count, while 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 Texas, QMB starts the first day of the month after your eligibility decision and does not cover the months before you applied. SLMB can start with your application month and include up to three prior months. QI can too, but not into the prior calendar year. If you expect to land in SLMB or QI, the backdating can recover about $600 in Part B premiums. 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 proof do I need for QMB in Texas?
Proof that you have Medicare Part A, such as a Medicare card or a Social Security enrollment letter. If you have no proof, you must enroll with Social Security first.
Can Texas backdate my Medicare Savings coverage?
For SLMB and QI, up to three months before the application (QI cannot reach into the prior calendar year). For QMB, coverage starts the first day of the month after the decision and does not go back.
Does Texas penalize me for assets I gave away?
The state handbook says transfer of assets, spousal impoverishment and co-payment policies do not apply to Medicare Savings Programs. Ask the Health and Human Services Commission about your situation.
Online: Your Texas Benefits
Form: H1200 (H1200-EZ for people on the Social Security Low Income Subsidy list)
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.