Medicare News
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.
If your income is limited, South Carolina may pay some or all of your Medicare premiums. Many people who qualify never apply.
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.
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.
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.
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.
South Carolina's SHIP counselors can help you apply at no cost. Call the SC Department on Aging at 1-800-868-9095.
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.
Source: 2026 Medicare Savings Program limits as summarized by SHIP National Technical Assistance Center and BenefitsUSA; SCDHHS Healthy Connections.
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