The four Ohio Medicare Savings Programs
| Program | What it pays | Approx. 2026 income limit (single) | Approx. 2026 income limit (married) |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) | Part A & B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance | ~$1,325/month | ~$1,795/month |
| SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) | Part B premium only | ~$1,585/month | ~$2,155/month |
| QI (Qualifying Individual) | Part B premium only | ~$1,780/month | ~$2,420/month |
| QDWI (Qualified Disabled Working Individual) | Part A premium for certain disabled workers under 65 | ~$5,300/month | ~$7,135/month |
Income limits are updated annually based on federal poverty levels. The Ohio Department of Medicaid publishes official current thresholds.
What QMB actually pays
QMB is the most comprehensive program. If you qualify:
- Ohio Medicaid pays your monthly Part B premium (the $202.90 stops being deducted from your Social Security)
- Ohio Medicaid pays your Part A premium if you have one (rare; most people have premium-free Part A)
- Ohio Medicaid pays your Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments
- You generally cannot be billed for Medicare-covered services (federal protection)
- You're automatically enrolled in Extra Help for Part D drug costs
SLMB and QI pay only the Part B premium. They don't cover deductibles or coinsurance.
How to qualify
Both income and resources are tested:
- Income — countable monthly income from all sources (wages, Social Security, pensions, etc.). Some income may be disregarded (e.g., the first $20/month of unearned income).
- Resources — about $9,660 for an individual or $14,470 for a couple in 2026 for QMB/SLMB/QI (approximate). Your home, one car, household goods, life insurance, and burial expenses generally don't count.
How to apply in Ohio
- Online — benefits.ohio.gov (Ohio's combined benefits portal for Medicaid, MSPs, SNAP, and other assistance programs)
- By phone — Ohio Medicaid Hotline: 1-800-324-8680
- In person — your local County Department of Job and Family Services (CDJFS)
- With free help — OSHIIP at 1-800-686-1578 walks you through the application
Dual eligibility — full Medicaid + Medicare
If your income and resources are low enough to qualify for both Medicare and full Ohio Medicaid, you have additional plan options including D-SNP plans (Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans) that integrate medical, drug, and Medicaid benefits. Ohio's Next Generation MyCare Ohio program coordinates these benefits for dual-eligible Ohioans in 29 counties beginning 2026.
Frequently asked
+Will Ohio Medicaid pay for my Medicare Part D drugs?
If you qualify for any MSP (QMB/SLMB/QI), you're automatically enrolled in Extra Help, which covers most or all of your Part D costs.
+Can I have Medicare and Ohio Medicaid at the same time?
Yes. People with both are called dual-eligible. Ohio's Next Generation MyCare Ohio program coordinates Medicare and Medicaid benefits for dual-eligibles in 29 counties starting 2026.
+What if my income is too high for QMB but I still struggle?
Look into SLMB or QI — they have higher income limits and pay your Part B premium. The Part B premium of $202.90/month is meaningful relief for many fixed-income retirees.