Medicare Savings Programs in Washington, DC: 2026 income limits and how to apply

Who qualifies

You can get QMB in DC if you:

• live in the District of Columbia,
• are a U.S. citizen or have an eligible immigration status,
• have Medicare Part A, Part B, or both, and
• have income at or below the limit.

For comparison, the federal minimum QMB limit is $1,350 a month for one person, and most states also have an asset limit of $9,950. DC is far more generous on both.

What counts and what does not

Income

• DC looks at your monthly income from all sources, such as Social Security, pensions, annuities, wages and interest. If you are married and live together, your spouse's income counts too.
• The DC limits above already include the $20 income disregard. You do not need to subtract it yourself.

Assets

• There is no asset limit for QMB. DC's policy manual says there has been no asset limit for QMB since November 1, 2008.
• Your savings, home, car, retirement accounts and life insurance do not affect QMB.

What QMB pays

• your Part A premium, if you have to pay one,
• your Part B premium ($202.90 a month in 2026),
• Medicare deductibles and coinsurance, such as the Part B deductible of $283 and the Part A hospital deductible.

Providers cannot bill you for Medicare copays or deductibles when you show your QMB card along with your Medicare card.

What about SLMB and QI?

In most states, people with a bit more income get SLMB or QI, which only pay the Part B premium. In DC, the QMB limit is so high that people who would fit SLMB or QI get full QMB instead.

QMB and Medicaid

QMB is not full Medicaid. It does not pay for things Medicare does not cover, like long-term care. If you also meet the rules for DC Medicaid, you can have both. QMB benefits are not subject to estate recovery.

Extra Help comes with QMB

If you get QMB, you get Extra Help automatically. Extra Help lowers your Part D premium and caps copays at $5.10 for generics and $12.65 for brand-name drugs.

How to apply

1. Apply online through District Direct at https://dhs.dc.gov/districtdirect, or with the District Direct mobile app.
2. Or apply on paper. Use the DC Integrated Application. You can mail it, fax it or bring it to a DHS Service Center. The same form covers Medicaid, QMB and SNAP.
3. Send proof of your income, such as your Social Security award letter and pension statements.
4. Questions: call the Public Benefits Call Center at (202) 727-5355 (TTY 711).

Want help filling it out? The Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) helps older residents apply. Call (202) 724-5626 for an appointment. The DC SHIP can also help you apply for QMB and Extra Help.

After you apply

• Your notice: DHS sends a letter telling you if you are approved.
• Renewals: you must recertify to keep QMB. You can renew through District Direct or at a DHS Service Center. Return renewal forms by the date on the letter so your coverage does not stop.
• Report changes in income or address. For address changes, call the Economic Security Administration at (202) 724-5506.
• If you are denied: your notice explains how to ask for a fair hearing and the deadline. Call the Office of the Health Care Ombudsman and Bill of Rights at 1-877-685-6391 for free help with a denial or a QMB problem.

Things people miss

• Savings do not matter. You can have money in the bank and still get QMB.
• The limit is much higher than you think. A single person with income of up to $4,010 a month can qualify.
• Carry both cards. Show your QMB card and your Medicare card at every visit so you are not billed for copays. If you lose your card or your premiums are not being paid, call the Ombudsman.
• Part B only? DC QMB is open to people with Part A, Part B or both.

Free help

• DC SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): free one-on-one Medicare counseling and help applying for QMB and Extra Help. Call (202) 727-8370 or email [email protected].
• DACL (DC's aging agency and Aging and Disability Resource Center): (202) 724-5626 (TTY 711), 500 K Street NE.
• Office of the Health Care Ombudsman and Bill of Rights: 1-877-685-6391.

See all benefits in Washington, DC for Medicaid, food and housing help. Learn more about Medicare Part B and Extra Help.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for District of Columbia agencies

Check what you may qualify for