2026 limits as published by the state. New York applies no asset test to these programs. The application works out the exact figure with allowed disregards, so if you are close to a limit, apply anyway. The math runs in your browser; nothing is stored.
The limits behind the calculator
| Program | What it pays | One person, per month | Married couple, per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB, up to 138% of the poverty level | Part A and Part B premiums, plus deductibles, coinsurance and copays | $1,836 | $2,489 |
| QI, up to 186% of the poverty level | The Part B premium | $2,474 | $3,355 |
Income means gross monthly income before deductions: Social Security, pensions, wages, annuities. The state’s published limits already sit above the federal minimum, and the application subtracts allowed disregards before comparing, so a result a little over the line is a reason to apply, not to stop. The full program guide.
What QMB and QI are worth
The Part B premium comes out of a Social Security check every month, so a program that pays it puts that amount back in the check. QMB goes further: providers may not bill a QMB member for Medicare cost sharing, which is the protection that matters most for people with frequent doctor visits or a hospital stay. Both tiers also open Extra Help, which lowers Part D drug costs even when your savings are above Extra Help’s own limit. How Extra Help works.
Who cannot get it from October 1, 2026
How to apply in New York City
- Apply at the Human Resources Administration, the city’s department of social services. Not NY State of Health. Which door to use.
- Bring proof of identity, New York residence, your Medicare card and proof of income. Because there is no asset test, you should not need to document savings for QMB or QI.
- Free help with the form: HIICAP, 1-800-701-0501.
If you have Medicaid too, you are dual eligible, and the savings program is usually set up with it.
Questions people ask
What is the income limit for the Medicare Savings Program in New York in 2026?
For one person, $1,836 a month for QMB and $2,474 a month for QI. For a married couple, $2,489 and $3,355.
Does New York have an asset limit for the Medicare Savings Program?
No. New York applies no asset test to QMB or QI, so savings do not disqualify you.
Does the Medicare Savings Program pay the Part B premium?
Yes. Both tiers pay the Part B premium. QMB also pays the Part A premium where one applies, plus Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays.
Do I get Extra Help automatically with QMB or QI?
Yes. Enrolling in either tier automatically qualifies you for Extra Help with prescription drug costs.
Where do I apply for the Medicare Savings Program in NYC?
At the Human Resources Administration, the city’s department of social services, not through NY State of Health. HIICAP at 1-800-701-0501 helps with the application for free.
Sources
- NYS Department of Health — Medicare Savings Program 2026 income limits (checked 2026-09-29)
- NYS Office for the Aging — HIICAP Notebook 2026, Module 9: Medicare Savings Programs (checked 2026-09-29)
- NYS Department of Health — GIS 26 MA/14, non-citizen coverage in Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Program (September 29, 2026) (checked 2026-09-30)
More in Medicare in New York: What the Fall Season Actually Decides
- Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare in New York: The Decision, Not the Ads — Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare? Networks, referrals and the cost cap differ. In New York you can buy Medigap any time, whatever your health.
- Vision, Dental and Hearing with Medicare in New York: What Original Medicare Skips and Who Fills the Gap — Original Medicare skips routine eye exams, glasses, dental care and hearing aids. What it does cover, what Advantage extras add, and Medicaid's rules for duals.
- Medicare Savings Programs in New York: Who Pays Your Part B Premium — Medicare Savings Programs in New York pay your Part B premium, and at lower incomes your cost sharing. There is no asset test. 2026 limits and where to apply.
This page explains how the system works. It is not medical advice. More.