Medicare Savings Programs in District of Columbia: 2026 Income & Asset Limits
Medicare Savings Programs help pay Medicare costs for District of Columbia residents with limited income. District of Columbia allows higher income than the federal minimum, so more people qualify than the baseline suggests. District of Columbia has no asset test. See the 2026 limits below and how to apply.
See if you qualify2026 income limits in District of Columbia
District of Columbia allows higher income than the federal baseline below. Do not rule yourself out based on these numbers. Confirm your state’s exact cutoff with District of Columbia Medicaid or a licensed advocate.
| Program | Monthly income (individual) | Monthly income (couple) |
|---|---|---|
| QMB | $1,350 | $1,824 |
| SLMB | $1,616 | $2,184 |
| QI | $1,816 | $2,455 |
Asset limits in District of Columbia
District of Columbia does not apply an asset (resource) test, so eligibility is based on your income alone.
What each program pays
| Cost | QMB | SLMB | QI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B premium | Yes Part B | Yes Part B | Yes Part B |
| Part A premium, deductibles, coinsurance | Yes extras | No extras | No extras |
| Automatic Extra Help (Part D) | Yes extra help | Yes extra help | Yes extra help |
Figures are 2026 federal baseline limits. District of Columbia may allow more income or assets than shown, and limits update each year. Confirm your eligibility with the District of Columbia Medicaid office. Medicare Advocates is a private insurance agency and is not a government agency.
Not sure if you qualify in District of Columbia?
State rules are easy to misread, and District of Columbia may be more generous than the baseline. A licensed Medicare Advocate can check your situation and help you apply, at no cost. Start with our full guide to Medicare Savings Programs.
Talk to a Medicare AdvocateCommon questions
- What do QMB, SLMB, and QI stand for?
- They are the three main Medicare Savings Programs. QMB is the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program, SLMB is the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program, and QI is the Qualifying Individual program. Each has its own income limit, and all three lower your Medicare costs.
- What is the difference between QMB, SLMB, and QI?
- QMB covers the most: it pays your Part B premium plus your Part A premium, deductibles, and coinsurance. SLMB and QI pay only your Part B premium. QMB has the lowest income limit and QI the highest, so as your income rises you may still qualify for SLMB or QI. All three also enroll you in Extra Help for Part D prescription costs. QI has limited funding each year, so it helps to apply early.
- What is the income limit for a Medicare Savings Program in District of Columbia?
- District of Columbia allows higher income than the federal baseline, so the exact cutoff is higher than the figures most states use. Check with District of Columbia Medicaid or a licensed advocate for your situation.
- Does District of Columbia have an asset limit for Medicare Savings Programs?
- No. District of Columbia has eliminated the asset test, so you qualify based on income alone.
- How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in District of Columbia?
- You apply through the District of Columbia Medicaid office, not Social Security. You will need proof of income and, in most states, your bank statements. Once approved, your Part B premium stops coming out of your Social Security check.
- Do Medicare Savings Programs in District of Columbia also give me Extra Help?
- Yes. Qualifying for any Medicare Savings Program automatically enrolls you in Extra Help, which lowers your Part D prescription drug costs.
Ready when you are.
No cost. No pressure. There is no obligation to enroll.One Advocate, for as long as you’re on Medicare.