Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio: 2026 Income & Asset Limits
Medicare Savings Programs help pay Medicare costs for Ohio residents with limited income. A single person can generally qualify with a monthly income up to $1,816 (QI). See the 2026 limits below and how to apply.
See if you qualify2026 income limits in Ohio
| 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 Ohio
Ohio uses the federal resource limits: $9,950 for an individual and $14,910 for a couple (QI is slightly higher). Your home and one car do not count.
Ohio calls these Medicare Premium Assistance Programs
Ohio's own name for the Medicare Savings Programs is Medicare Premium Assistance Programs, or MPAP, so that is the wording you may see on state paperwork. They are the same programs.
Source: insurance.ohio.gov, checked 2026-09-27.
How to apply in Ohio
Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio are run by Ohio Department of Medicaid, not Social Security. Applications are processed at county level, so your county office handles your case.
- Apply online:
- benefits.ohio.gov
- Apply by phone:
- 833-628-4467
- Free local help:
- OSHIIP (Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program), 1-800-686-1578
Verified against Ohio state sources on 2026-09-27. Agencies change their contact details, so confirm before you travel to an office.
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. Ohio may allow more income or assets than shown, and limits update each year. Confirm your eligibility with the Ohio Medicaid office. Medicare Advocates is a private insurance agency and is not a government agency.
Not sure if you qualify in Ohio?
State rules are easy to misread, and Ohio may be more generous than the baseline. A licensed insurance agent can check your situation and help you apply, at no cost. Start with our full guide to Medicare Savings Programs.
Talk to a licensed insurance agentCommon 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 Ohio?
- At the 2026 federal baseline that Ohio uses, a single person can qualify with a monthly income up to $1,350 (QMB), $1,616 (SLMB), or $1,816 (QI).
- Does Ohio have an asset limit for Medicare Savings Programs?
- Yes. Ohio uses the federal resource limits (about $9,950 for an individual). Your home and one vehicle do not count.
- How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Ohio?
- You apply through Ohio Department of Medicaid, not Social Security. You can apply online at benefits.ohio.gov or call 833-628-4467. Applications in Ohio are processed at county level. OSHIIP offers free one-to-one help on 1-800-686-1578. 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 Ohio 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 licensed insurance agent, for as long as you’re on Medicare.