Arizona's rules: income only, no asset test
Medicare Savings Programs are part of AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program, and AHCCCS sets some of the rules. The biggest Arizona difference is that there is no resource test: AHCCCS's eligibility chart lists the resource limit for QMB, SLMB and QI-1 as "N/A". Many states count savings, investments and a second car; Arizona doesn't. If your income fits, money in the bank doesn't stop you.
To qualify you must live in Arizona, be a U.S. citizen or have qualifying immigration status, have a Social Security number, and be entitled to Medicare Part A. For QMB you must also apply for any pension, disability or retirement benefit you are eligible for.
| Program | Income (federal poverty level) | Screener limit, one person | Screener limit, couple | What AHCCCS pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | Up to 100% | $1,350 | $1,824 | Part B premium, any Part A premium, Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays |
| SLMB | Over 100% up to 120% | $1,616 | $2,184 | Part B premium |
| QI-1 | Over 120% up to 135% | $1,816 | $2,455 | Part B premium |
How the screener's limits relate to AHCCCS's
AHCCCS publishes its limits as income after deductions, set at 100%, 120% and 135% of the federal poverty level. Before comparing, AHCCCS subtracts a general income deduction from unearned income such as Social Security, pensions or annuities. The limits in the table and the screener come from Medicare.gov and already include that deduction, so for someone whose income is Social Security or a pension they match AHCCCS's limits.
Wages are treated more generously: AHCCCS also subtracts a work-expense deduction and then half of the remaining earnings. That is why the screener tells working people to apply even if they look over the limit. AHCCCS makes the decision; the screener only tells you whether applying is likely to be worth it.
Extra Help comes with it
Everyone who qualifies for QMB, SLMB or QI-1 also gets Extra Help, the federal program that lowers Part D premiums, deductibles and copays. If your income is above the savings program limits but no more than $23,940 a year for one person ($32,460 for a married couple) in 2026, you can apply for Extra Help on its own with Social Security. Extra Help does count resources: up to $16,590 for one person or $33,100 for a couple. See the drug cap estimator for what Extra Help copays add up to.
How to apply in Arizona
- Apply online at Health-e-Arizona Plus, the state's application site for AHCCCS programs, or mail an application to AHCCCS. AHCCCS can be reached at 1-800-654-8713.
- Have proof of income ready: your Social Security award letter, pension statements and recent pay stubs.
- Watch for the decision. If AHCCCS approves you, it starts paying your Part B premium, and the amount stops coming out of your Social Security check after the change goes through.
Approval for a savings program doesn't change your Medicare plan by itself. If you also get full AHCCCS coverage, you may have more plan choices and enrollment periods; read AHCCCS and Medicare, Medicare Savings Programs in Arizona and does AHCCCS pay Medicare premiums? Late-enrollment penalties are covered on the penalty calculator.
Sources
- AHCCCS — Eligibility requirements, February 1, 2026 (PDF; resource limits for QMB, SLMB and QI-1 listed as N/A)
- AHCCCS Eligibility Policy Manual — 409 Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
- AHCCCS Eligibility Policy Manual — 612 How to calculate income eligibility for MSP
- AHCCCS Eligibility Policy Manual — 615 Income standards
- AHCCCS — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Only
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs (2026 income limits)
- Social Security — Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs
Frequently asked questions
Does Arizona have an asset limit for Medicare Savings Programs?
No. AHCCCS's February 2026 eligibility chart lists the resource limit for QMB, SLMB and QI-1 as not applicable, so savings and investments don't count. Extra Help, which Social Security runs, does have a resource limit, and so does ALTCS, Arizona's long-term care program.
What income qualifies for QMB in Arizona?
Income at or below 100% of the federal poverty level after AHCCCS's deductions. For someone whose income is Social Security or a pension, that works out to about $1,350 a month for one person or $1,824 for a married couple in 2026. QMB pays the Part B premium and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays.
Where do I apply?
Online at Health-e-Arizona Plus, or by contacting AHCCCS at 1-800-654-8713. You can also mail an application to AHCCCS. If you qualify for any Medicare Savings Program, you also get Extra Help with Part D drug costs automatically.
I'm still working. Does my paycheck count the same way?
Not quite. AHCCCS subtracts more from earned income than from Social Security or pensions, including a work-expense deduction and half of the remaining wages. So working people can qualify with gross pay above the limits this screener shows. If you work, apply even if the screener says you are over.
