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

How Vermont is different

Most states use the federal limits for these programs. Vermont goes further in three ways:

• Higher income limits. QMB covers people with income up to 150% of the federal poverty level. The federal minimum is 100%.
• No asset test. For QMB and QI, Vermont looks only at income. Your savings, your home and other property are not checked.
• SLMB is gone. Vermont ended its SLMB program on December 31, 2025. Most people on SLMB were moved to QMB, which pays more.

Who qualifies

You must live in Vermont and have Medicare (or be able to get it). Then your monthly income must be at or under the limit below. These limits took effect April 1, 2026, for one person.

There is no resource (asset) limit for QMB or QI. QDWI does have one: $4,000 for one person or $6,000 for a couple.

Household size can raise your limit

Since April 1, 2026, Vermont may count relatives who live with you in your household size. This applies if they are related to you by blood, adoption or marriage and depend on you or your spouse for at least half of their support. A bigger household has a higher income limit. If this fits you, call 1-800-250-8427 and report how many relatives live with you. If your household is just you, or you and your spouse, you do not need to call.

If you are a little over

DVHA says to apply anyway if your income is above these limits but you think you might qualify. Some income may not count, and the worker will check.

What each program pays for

QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary)

QMB pays your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums. It also pays the deductibles, coinsurance and copays for services Medicare covers.

QI (Qualifying Individual)

QI pays your Part B premium only. That is $202.90 a month in 2026, which then stays in your Social Security check. You cannot get QI if you also get Medicaid or other federally funded medical help.

QDWI (Qualified Disabled and Working Individual)

QDWI pays the Part A premium for people under 65 with a disability who lost free Part A after going back to work. Most people over 65 will not use it.

Extra Help comes with it

If you get QMB or QI, you also get Extra Help with Part D drug costs automatically. You still need to be in a Medicare drug plan.

How to apply

You have two choices. Pick the one that fits.

Option 1: Medicare Savings Programs only (form 201P)

Use this if you only want help with Medicare costs. Form 201P also checks you for VPharm, Vermont's drug help.

1. Get the form. Download the fillable 201P from the DVHA Medicare Savings Program page, or call 1-800-250-8427 and ask for one.
2. Fill it out and sign it. You can sign the fillable version online, or sign a printed copy in pen.
3. Send it in with copies of your proof of income:
   • Online: Upload it at ahsuploader.vermont.gov and choose "healthcare."
   • By mail: Green Mountain Care Application and Document Processing Center, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-1500.
   • By phone: Call 1-800-250-8427, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and say you want to apply for the Medicare Savings Program with the 201P.
4. Want help in person? A free certified Assister can help you. Find one at info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/find-local-help/find.

Option 2: Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs together

Use this if your income is low enough that you might also get Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled (MABD).

• Online: mabdapply.vermont.gov
• By mail: Paper form 205ALLMED to Green Mountain Care Application and Document Processing Center, 280 State Drive, NOB 1 South, Waterbury, VT 05671-1500.
• By phone: 1-800-250-8427.

What to have ready

Proof of all income for you and your spouse: Social Security award letter, pension statements and any other income. DVHA keeps a list of acceptable proof on its MSP page.

DVHA's office at 5 Pilgrim Park in Waterbury does not take walk-ins.

After you apply

• Renewals. You will get a renewal form. Fill it out and send it back on time so your help does not stop.
• Report changes. Call 1-855-899-9600 if your income or household changes, or if you move.
• If you are denied. You have 90 days from the date on the notice to appeal an eligibility decision. You can call 1-855-899-9600, appeal online in your account, email [email protected] with "Appeal" in the subject line, or write to the Human Services Board, 6 Baldwin Street, Suite 305, Montpelier, VT 05633-4302. You can bring someone to help you.
• Free legal help: Vermont Legal Aid at 1-800-889-2047, or the Office of the Health Care Advocate at 1-800-917-7787.

Things people miss

• Savings do not matter. People often skip applying because they have money in the bank. For QMB and QI in Vermont, savings are not counted.
• Former SLMB members. If you were on SLMB in 2025 and did not hear about a move to QMB, call 1-800-250-8427.
• Live with a relative you support? The household rule that started April 1, 2026 could raise your limit, but only if you call and report it.
• There are two DVHA phone numbers printed on the MSP page. Use 1-800-250-8427, which appears in most places.

Free help

• SHIP (State Health Insurance Program): Free Medicare counseling through your local Area Agency on Aging. Call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119.
• DVHA Customer Service: 1-855-899-9600, Monday to Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Relay: 711.

For other programs, see all benefits in Vermont. To learn how these programs work across the country, see Medicare.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Vermont agencies

Check what you may qualify for