Many people on Medicare want to know whether their income is low enough to get help with their Part B premium. For the 2026 Medicare Savings Program, the income limits are $1,816 per month for an individual and $2,455 per month for a married couple. Resource limits also apply.
If you fall below both limits, the program can help pay your Part B premium. That premium is $202.90 per month in 2026, so the savings add up quickly.
What is the Medicare Savings Program
The Medicare Savings Program provides help for people whose income and resources fall below certain limits. Its main job is to help pay the Medicare Part B premium, a monthly cost that most people on Medicare carry.
How the Program Helps with Part B Costs
In 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month. This amount is subject to change every year. For people who qualify, the Medicare Savings Program helps cover that premium.
Over a full year, a $202.90 monthly premium comes to $2,434.80. For someone living on a fixed income, keeping that money in the household budget makes a real difference.
Why Income and Assets Both Matter
Eligibility depends on two separate tests. Your monthly income must fall below the program’s income limit, and your total assets must fall below its resource limit.
You need to meet both limits to qualify. A low income alone will not get you approved if your countable assets are above the cap.
Pro Tip: Check your income and your assets before you decide whether to apply. The program reviews each one separately, so you need a clear picture of both numbers.
2026 Medicare Savings Program Income and Resource Limits
The limits below are the 2026 figures for individuals and married couples. Use them as your starting point when you review your own situation.
Monthly Income Limits for Individuals and Couples
The income limits are based on what you bring in each month:
- Individual: $1,816 per month
- Married couple: $2,455 per month
If your monthly income is below these Medicare Savings Program limits, you pass the first part of the eligibility check.
Resource Limits and What is Excluded
The resource limits look at your total assets:
- Single person: $9,950 in total assets
- Married couple: $14,910 in total assets
Two important items do not count toward these totals. Your home is excluded, and so is one automobile per person in the home. For a married couple, that means each spouse can have one car that stays out of the calculation.
| Limit | Individual | Married Couple |
| Monthly income limit | $1,816 | $2,455 |
| Total resource limit | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| Excluded from resources | Home and one automobile per person in the home | Home and one automobile per person in the home |
Key Takeaway: A single person needs monthly income below $1,816 and countable assets below $9,950. A married couple needs monthly income below $2,455 and countable assets below $14,910.
Need expert help with the Medicare Savings Program? Contact Senior Benefits Plus for a free consultation.
How to Tell if You May Qualify
A quick self-check can tell you whether the program is worth pursuing. Gather your monthly income figures and a list of your assets before you start.
Who Qualifies for the Medicare Savings Program in 2026
Follow these three steps:
- Add up your monthly income. Compare the total with $1,816 if you are single or $2,455 if you are married.
- Total your assets. Leave out your home and one automobile per person in the home. Compare the result with $9,950 for a single person or $14,910 for a married couple.
- Review both results. If you fall below the income limit and the resource limit, you may qualify for help paying your Part B premium.
Why the Numbers Can Change Each Year
The Part B premium is subject to change every year, so the dollar value of this help changes with it. The figures in this post apply to 2026.
When a new year begins, confirm the current figures before you apply. Working from last year’s numbers can lead you to the wrong conclusion about your eligibility.
Pro Tip: Keep a simple record of your monthly income and countable assets. Having these numbers ready makes it faster to check your eligibility each year.
Let Our Team Help You Review Your Eligibility
The Medicare Savings Program can help pay your $202.90 monthly Part B premium. Knowing the limits is the first step toward getting that help.
A Quick Recap of the 2026 Limits
Individuals must stay below $1,816 per month in income and $9,950 in total assets. Married couples must stay below $2,455 per month in income and $14,910 in total assets. In both cases, your home and one automobile per person in the home are excluded.
Talk to Senior Benefits Plus
Our team at Senior Benefits Plus can walk you through your numbers and help you understand where you stand. Contact Senior Benefits Plus today to schedule a free consultation and find out if you qualify for the 2026 Medicare Savings Program.
