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South Carolina Medicare Savings Programs in 2026: Income Limits and How to Apply

by

Skyler Abilla

South Carolina Medicare Savings Programs in 2026: Income Limits and How to Apply

South Carolina residents with limited income may get help paying Medicare premiums through QMB, SLMB, and QI. Here are the 2026 limits and where to apply.

South Carolina Medicare Savings Programs 2026

South Carolina Medicare Savings Programs in 2026: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

If your income is limited, South Carolina may pay some or all of your Medicare premiums. Many people who qualify never apply.

$1,350
Monthly income limit for QMB, single person, 2026
$9,950
Resource limit for a single person in QMB, SLMB, and QI
$23,475
Yearly income limit for Extra Help, single person, 2026

What the programs are

Medicare Savings Programs help pay Medicare costs for people with limited income and resources. There are three main ones. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) helps with Part A and Part B premiums and cost-sharing. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) helps pay your Part B premium. Qualifying Individual (QI) also helps pay your Part B premium for people with slightly higher income.

2026 income limits

For a single person, the monthly income limits are $1,350 for QMB, $1,616 for SLMB, and $1,816 for QI. For a couple, they are $1,824, $2,184, and $2,455. Resource limits are $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple. Income is counted before taxes, and a small disregard is built into these limits.

Extra Help with drug costs

If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you are generally enrolled in Extra Help, also called the Part D Low Income Subsidy, which lowers your drug plan costs. The Extra Help limits for 2026 are $23,475 a year in income for a single person and $31,725 for a couple, with resource limits of $18,090 and $36,100.

How to apply in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) runs these programs through Healthy Connections. You can apply online at apply.scdhhs.gov, or call the Member Help Center at 1-888-549-0820. The QI program is funded each year and is first-come, first-served, so apply early.

Free help with the application

South Carolina's SHIP counselors can help you apply at no cost. Call the SC Department on Aging at 1-800-868-9095.

Talk to a local agent

Skyler Abilla is a licensed Medicare agent in Bluffton. Call (843) 284-6815 or book a free call. Some plans are built for people with Medicare and Medicaid, and we can check what is available for you.

If you think you might qualify, apply. Getting your Part B premium paid can mean more than $2,400 a year back in your pocket at the 2026 premium.
2026 Monthly Income Limits, Single Person

Source: 2026 Medicare Savings Program limits as summarized by SHIP National Technical Assistance Center and BenefitsUSA; SCDHHS Healthy Connections.

A note on this data: Limits come from third-party summaries of federal 2026 figures and may not reflect every South Carolina rule. Confirm your eligibility with SCDHHS or a SHIP counselor before you rely on these numbers.

This article is for educational purposes only. Abilla Advisors does not offer every plan available in your area. For information on all of your options, contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). This content is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

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