Here are the 2026 Medicare Savings limits for Washington, 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 Washington 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 | $1,463/mo | $1,984/mo | Part B premium, deductibles & copays + auto Extra Help |
| SLMB | $1,596/mo | $2,167/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
| QI-1 | $1,835/mo | $2,489/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
Washington does not use the federal table. Washington Law Help, in a page reviewed for legal accuracy on March 3, 2026, lists QMB at $1,463 for one person after allowable deductions, SLMB at $1,596 and QI-1 at $1,835 of countable income. The couple figures are $1,984, $2,167 and $2,489.
Different sources print different dollar amounts for Washington. NCOA's 2026 chart lists $1,454, $1,585 and $1,820 for one person. The gaps are small, about $10 to $15 for one person and up to about $35 for a couple, but if your income is that close to a line, ask the state which number applies to you. The rule behind these programs is WAC 182-517-0100, effective January 19, 2026.
The big advantage is assets. There is no limit to the assets you can have to qualify for a Medicare Savings Program in Washington, so savings and investments do not count against you.
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.
Washington has no asset limit for its Medicare Savings Programs. Savings, investments and property do not count against you. Only income is tested.
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:
Washington's published pages that we found 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-1 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.
Does Washington have an asset limit for Medicare Savings?
No. Washington Law Help says there is no limit to the assets you can have to qualify.
Why do Washington's limits differ between websites?
Sources print different figures. Two published sets differ by roughly $10 to $15 for one person. Ask the state which figure applies to your income.
How do I apply in Washington?
Apply at WashingtonConnection.org, call 1-877-501-2233 or visit a local DSHS office.
Online: WashingtonConnection.org
Phone: 1-877-501-2233
In person: your local DSHS office
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.