Here are the 2026 Medicare Savings limits for Virginia, 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 Virginia 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 | $1,816/mo | $2,455/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
Virginia's Cardinal Care fact sheet lists the 2026 limits as poverty level amounts: $1,330 for QMB, $1,596 for SLMB and $1,796 for QI for one person, and $1,804, $2,164 and $2,435 for two. The table above adds the standard $20 income disregard that the federal limits include. The fact sheet also lists resource limits of $9,950 and $14,910.
Virginia gives you more ways to apply than most states. You can apply online at CommonHelp, call the Cover Virginia Call Center, mail an application, or fax or take it to your local Department of Social Services. The call center is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Applications can be submitted at any time, so there is no enrollment window to miss. The fact sheet says the limits are adjusted every year.
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.
Virginia lists $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for two as the resource limits. Ask your local Department of Social Services what is excluded before you assume you are over.
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.
How do I apply in Virginia?
Online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, by phone at 1-855-242-8282, by mail to the Cardinal Care Correspondence Center, or at your local Department of Social Services.
Can I apply any time in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia says applications can be submitted at any time.
What is Virginia's asset limit for Medicare Savings?
$9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple.
Online: commonhelp.virginia.gov
Phone: 1-855-242-8282 (TDD 1-888-221-1590), Mon to Fri 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. to noon
Mail: Cardinal Care Correspondence Center, P.O. Box 1820, Richmond, VA 23218
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.