Michigan's Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) pay Medicare premiums and, for the QMB tier, all Medicare deductibles and copays for people with limited income and resources. Michigan administers three MSPs through Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and applying through MI Bridges is the fastest way to enroll. In 2026, a single person earning up to about $1,816 a month may qualify for at least partial help.
What Are Medicare Savings Programs?
Medicare Savings Programs are a Medicaid-funded benefit for people who have Medicare but cannot afford the premiums and cost-sharing. They're separate from full Medicaid coverage: a person can qualify for an MSP without qualifying for Michigan's full Medicaid package.
Michigan administers all three MSPs through MDHHS. Income limits are set by the federal government as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), anchored to the SSI Federal Benefit Rate of $994/month for an individual in 2026. Michigan applies standard income disregards before comparing income to the limits.
QMB: The Most Protective Tier
QMB provides the broadest coverage. It pays:
- Medicare Part A premium (if the enrollee is not entitled to premium-free Part A)
- Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2026 for most enrollees)
- All Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copays
2026 QMB income limits (approximate)
- Individual: up to $1,350/month
- Couple: up to $1,824/month
Income is measured at 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, plus the $20 general income disregard.
The no-billing protection. Federal law prohibits Medicare providers and suppliers from billing QMB enrollees for Medicare cost-sharing. If a provider attempts to collect a copay, the enrollee can report this to CMS or call 1-800-MEDICARE. This protection applies even when the provider doesn't know the patient is on QMB.
SLMB: Part B Premium Help
SLMB pays only the Medicare Part B premium. In 2026, that is $185/month for most enrollees, or $2,220 per year.
2026 SLMB income limits (approximate)
- Individual: up to $1,616/month
- Couple: up to $2,184/month
Income is measured at 100-120% of FPL. SLMB does not cover deductibles or copays.
QI: The Upper Tier
QI also pays only the Part B premium. It covers a slightly higher income band than SLMB.
2026 QI income limits (approximate)
- Individual: up to $1,816/month
- Couple: up to $2,455/month
Income is measured at 120-135% of FPL. Two important distinctions for QI:
- Annual funding cap. QI is funded through a discrete federal appropriation each year. States enroll applicants first-come, first-served until that funding runs out. Prior-year QI enrollees get first priority for re-enrollment. Apply early in the calendar year.
- Cannot have full Medicaid. If you qualify for Michigan full Medicaid, you cannot simultaneously receive QI benefits. QI is designed for people who fall between full Medicaid and no assistance.
Asset Limits (2026)
All three programs use the same federal asset test:
- Individual: $9,950
- Couple: $14,910
These are the 2026 federal figures per the national MSP guidelines. Exempt assets include the primary home (regardless of value), one vehicle, household goods and personal effects, and burial funds within limits. The MSP asset test is substantially more generous than Michigan's $9,950 LTC Medicaid asset limit, which happens to align.
Income Counting: Disregards Matter
Not all income counts toward the MSP income test. Michigan applies federal standard disregards:
- General income disregard: $20/month excluded from any income source.
- Earned income disregard: $65/month plus half of remaining earned income excluded if the applicant has wages.
- Other SSI-mirrored exclusions may apply depending on income type.
Social Security benefits, pensions, and most investment income count after disregards are applied. If your gross income looks above the limit, apply anyway. Disregards often push the countable figure below the threshold.
Extra Help: The Automatic Benefit
Enrollment in any Michigan MSP (QMB, SLMB, or QI) automatically qualifies the enrollee for Extra Help (also called the Part D Low Income Subsidy, or LIS). Extra Help reduces Part D prescription drug premiums, deductibles, and copays. In 2026, full Extra Help can save a beneficiary thousands of dollars per year on medications.
MDHHS automatically transmits MSP enrollment data to the Social Security Administration. No separate SSA application is needed once you are enrolled in an MSP.
How to Apply for Michigan Medicare Savings Programs
Michigan MSP applications go through MDHHS using form MDHHS-1171 (Assistance Application). Four ways to apply:
- Online: MI Bridges portal at newmibridges.michigan.gov, available 24/7.
- In person: At your county MDHHS office.
- By mail: Download and mail the MDHHS-1171 form to the MDHHS county office.
- By phone: Call MDHHS at 1-855-275-6424.
Standard processing: 45 days for non-disability cases. Free assistance is available from the Michigan Medicare and Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) at 1-800-803-7174, which provides one-on-one counseling at no cost.
| Program | Individual Income Limit | Couple Income Limit | What It Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | ~$1,350/month | ~$1,824/month | Part A + Part B premiums; all Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copays |
| SLMB | ~$1,616/month | ~$2,184/month | Part B premium only ($185/month) |
| QI | ~$1,816/month | ~$2,455/month | Part B premium only; annual funding, first-come first-served |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for QMB and SLMB. People who have both full Medicaid and a Medicare Savings Program are called "dual eligibles." Full dual eligibility means Medicaid coordinates with Medicare to cover cost-sharing, and Medicaid also covers benefits Medicare does not, such as nursing home custodial care. QI is the exception: it is not available to full Medicaid enrollees.
Yes. The $20 general income disregard applies to all applicants. Earned-income disregards apply if you have wages. These disregards effectively raise the real income threshold above the FPL percentages listed above. If your gross income is close to the limit, apply and let MDHHS apply the disregards.
Michigan MSP enrollees renew annually. MDHHS sends renewal notices roughly 60 days before the end of the benefit year. You can renew through MI Bridges, by mail, or in person at your county MDHHS office. Keep your contact information current with MDHHS so notices reach you.
If Michigan's annual QI appropriation is exhausted, new QI enrollments stop until the next federal fiscal year. Prior-year enrollees are re-enrolled first. If you were enrolled in QI last year, your renewal has priority. If you are applying for the first time, apply as early in the calendar year as possible.
Learn More
- Michigan Medicaid Eligibility and Income Limits
- How to Apply for Michigan Medicaid
- Michigan Medicaid Guide 2026
- Michigan Medicaid Spousal Impoverishment Protections 2026
- Medicare Savings Programs: National Overview
Find personalized help determining whether you qualify for a Michigan Medicare Savings Program at brevy.com.
The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.