Help paying the Medicare premium taken from Social Security

A Medicare Savings Program may pay your Part B premium.

3 min readUpdated September 2026

Published by Navigate Care. How we source our guides

In this guide 4 sections
01Start with a Medicare Savings Program02Check the 2026 limits, but apply even if you are slightly over03How to get the deduction checked and apply04Also check Extra Help for prescription costs

A deduction of about $200 from a Social Security payment is often the Medicare Part B premium. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026, although some people pay more. Medicare Savings Programs can help eligible people pay that premium.

01

Start with a Medicare Savings Program

Medicare Savings Programs are run by each state. The QMB program can pay Part B premiums and Medicare cost sharing. The SLMB and QI programs can pay the Part B premium.

02

Check the 2026 limits, but apply even if you are slightly over

  • QMB: Monthly income up to $1,350 for one person or $1,824 for a married couple. Resource limits are $9,950 and $14,910.
  • SLMB: Monthly income up to $1,616 for one person or $2,184 for a married couple. Resource limits are $9,950 and $14,910.
  • QI: Monthly income up to $1,816 for one person or $2,455 for a married couple. Resource limits are $9,950 and $14,910.

These are the federal limits for 2026. They generally increase each year. Alaska and Hawaii have higher income limits, and some states use more generous rules.

03

How to get the deduction checked and apply

  1. 1.Call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 and ask what the Social Security deduction is.
  2. 2.Contact your state and apply for a Medicare Savings Program.
  3. 3.For free counseling, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program through Medicare.
  4. 4.For local help, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 and ask for your local Area Agency on Aging.
04

Also check Extra Help for prescription costs

Extra Help is for Medicare Part D drug costs, not the Part B premium. It can reduce Part D premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and other prescription costs. People approved for a Medicare Savings Program receive Extra Help automatically.

Questions families ask

Will the deduction stop if I qualify?

A Medicare Savings Program may pay the Part B premium if the state approves the application.

Should I apply if my income is slightly above the listed limit?

Yes. Some states have higher limits or count income and resources differently. Medicare says to apply even if you do not think you qualify.

Where can I get free application help?

A State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides free Medicare counseling and can help with Extra Help. The Eldercare Locator can connect older adults and families with local services.

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