Medicare Savings Programs in California: 2026 income limits and how to apply

What makes California different

Most states have a low savings limit for these programs. In California, from January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, the asset limit is $130,000 for one person, $195,000 for a couple, and $65,000 more for each extra person in the household (up to 10). That is many times the federal minimum of $9,950.

This limit will drop. Starting July 1, 2027, it becomes $21,000 for one person and $31,000 for two people, plus $1,550 for each extra person.

California also became a Part A buy-in state on January 1, 2025. If you have full Medi-Cal and Part B and qualify for QMB, the state enrolls you in Part A and pays the Part A premium for you.

Who qualifies

You must live in California and have Medicare Part A (except for QDWI, below).

These limits include the first $20 of income that is not counted. DHCS lists the same limits a little lower, before that amount is added. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) says to apply even if your income is above these amounts, because more deductions may apply.

The asset limit is the same for all three: $130,000 for one person or $195,000 for a couple.

Each program explained

QMB

QMB is the fullest help. It pays your Part A and Part B premiums and the deductibles and coinsurance. Doctors and hospitals that take Medicare cannot bill you for Medicare cost sharing when you have QMB. QMB starts the month after you apply.

SLMB and QI

Both pay the Part B premium, which is $202.90 a month in 2026 for most people. That money then stays in your Social Security check.

• You can get QI only if you do not have Medi-Cal.

QDWI (Qualified Disabled and Working Individual)

QDWI pays the Part A premium for people who lost premium-free Part A because they went back to work. You cannot have Medi-Cal at the same time.

Extra Help comes with it

If you get QMB, SLMB or QI, you also get Extra Help with Medicare Part D drug costs. You do not need to apply for it separately.

What counts and what does not

Counts as an asset:

• Cash and bank accounts
• Second homes and second vehicles
• Other money and property you own, wherever it is

Does not count:

• The home you live in
• Your main vehicle
• Household items such as furniture and clothing
• Retirement funds that are paying out to you regularly

Adult children who live with you are not counted in your household size.

How to apply

The application is the same as for Medi-Cal. Tell your county which program you want.

1. Online: BenefitsCal.com.
2. By mail: Use the Medi-Cal application, which covers these programs. To apply for a Medicare Savings Program only, use form MC 14A and mail it to the MSP contact at your county social services office.
3. By phone or in person: Call or visit your county social services office. To find it, call the Medi-Cal Helpline at (800) 541-5555.

Have proof ready. Since January 1, 2026, you must report what you own and give proof of it when you apply. Your county will tell you which papers it needs.

After you apply

• Premium changes take time. It can take up to four months for Social Security to stop taking the Part B premium out of your check. You may be paid back for premiums you paid during months you qualified.
• Renewals: You must report your assets again at renewal. If you are over the limit at renewal, you may lose coverage. If your case closes because asset papers are missing, you have 90 days to send them.
• If QMB ends: Social Security may start taking the Part B premium from your check again, including up to the current month and two past months.
• Appeals: You have 90 days from the notice to ask for a state hearing. Call the State Hearings Division at (800) 743-8525, use the online request at acms.dss.ca.gov, or write to State Hearings Division, P.O. Box 944243, Mail Station 9-17-442, Sacramento, CA 94244-2430. For a Medi-Cal renewal decision, you have 120 days from the date the notice was mailed.

Things people often miss

• Savings are not a barrier for most people right now. Until June 30, 2027, the asset limit is very high. Apply before it drops.
• Over the income limit by a little? Apply anyway. More deductions may apply.
• Giving away assets does not affect most people on these programs. But gifts made on or after January 1, 2026 can delay long-term care coverage later, so ask before you give large amounts.

Free help

• HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program): Free, objective Medicare counseling. Call 1-800-434-0222.
• Area Agencies on Aging: Call 800-510-2020 to find your local agency.

See Medicare Part B and all benefits in California.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for California agencies

Check what you may qualify for