Heads up for anyone paying the full Medicare Part B premium every month

I was shocked when I found out about this so figured I would share it here. Most people have never heard of the QMB program. It is a federal Medicare Savings Program that pays your entire Part B premium for you through your state Medicaid office. It is not automatic. SSA will not tell you about it. You have to apply for it yourself which is exactly why millions of seniors who qualify never end up getting it.

The income limit for a single person in 2026 is roughly $1,350 a month. If you are anywhere near that range it is worth one phone call to find out. Call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask specifically about Medicare Savings Programs. Do not call a number from a TV commercial. Go straight to the official line and ask for QMB. Happy to answer questions about this or the SLMB program which covers people with slightly higher income limits.