Medicare Savings Programs (QMB / SLMB / QI)
Help paying your Medicare costs
What it pays or provides
Medicare Savings Programs pay your Medicare premiums so more of your Social Security check stays in your pocket. QMB, the top tier, pays your Part A and Part B premiums plus your deductibles and coinsurance. SLMB and QI, the two lower tiers, pay your Part B premium only.
Who qualifies
You need to already have Medicare, and your income has to fall under the limit for the tier you qualify for -- the higher your income, the more limited tier you land in. Oregon doesn't count your savings or other assets against you for these programs, only your income.
Income limits by household size
The table below shows the income cutoff for the highest tier these programs cover (QI, at 135% of the poverty line). QMB and SLMB kick in at lower income levels within that same range and pay for more.
| People in your household | Monthly income limit (about) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,800 |
| 2 | $2,430 |
| 3 | $3,070 |
| 4 | $3,710 |
| 5 | $4,350 |
| 6 | $4,990 |
| 7 | $5,630 |
| 8 | $6,270 |
Limits shown are approximately 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, rounded — the program’s own table is the final word.
How other benefits affect it
Qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program automatically qualifies you for Extra Help with your Part D drug costs -- you don't need to apply for that separately. If your income is low enough, you may also still qualify for full Oregon Health Plan coverage alongside Medicare.
How to apply
Apply online at one.oregon.gov, call the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075 to have an application mailed to you, call the Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-855-673-2372, or contact your local ODHS office directly.
Go to the official page →or call 1-800-699-9075
How long approval usually takes
ODHS lets you know if you're approved within 45 days of the date you apply.
Programs that combine with it
- Extra Help (Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy) — help paying for your Medicare drugs
- Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) — free or low-cost health coverage
Sources
- ODHS: Help Paying Medicare Costs
- Official rule text “Get help from your state paying your Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) premiums through a Medicare Savings Program. If you qualify, Medicare Savings Programs might also pay your Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.” (checked July 5, 2026)
- Official rule text “Low-income Medicare beneficiaries with income more than 120% but less than 135% of the federal poverty level may be eligible for the Qualifying Individual (QI) program.” (checked July 5, 2026)
- Official rule text “There are no asset limits for these programs in Oregon.” (checked July 19, 2026)