Arizona's three Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Savings Programs are run by each state under federal rules. In Arizona, AHCCCS runs them and uses these names:
| AHCCCS program | Income limit (federal poverty level) | What it pays |
|---|---|---|
| QMB Only | Up to 100% | Part A premium (if you owe one), Part B premium, and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays |
| SLMB Part B Buy-In | Above 100%, up to 120% | Part B premium |
| QI1 Part B Buy-In | Above 120%, up to 135% | Part B premium (not available if you qualify for other AHCCCS coverage) |
To qualify you must have or be eligible for Part A, live in Arizona, be a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen, and apply for any pension, disability or retirement benefit you may be due.
What the income limits mean in dollars
The federal poverty level changes each year, so AHCCCS updates its dollar limits each year. For a rough guide, Medicare.gov lists 2026 national monthly income limits of $1,350 for one person for QMB, $1,616 for SLMB and $1,816 for QI (couples: $1,824, $2,184 and $2,455). Arizona's exact figures, which follow its percentages above, are on AHCCCS's current eligibility chart. Some income doesn't count, so apply even if you're a little over.
No asset test in Arizona. Many states limit savings and other resources for these programs. AHCCCS's Eligibility Policy Manual lists the Medicare Savings Program conditions as residency, citizenship status, a Social Security number and income, with no resource limit. If you've been told you have "too much in the bank," check with AHCCCS.
An important QMB protection
If you're in QMB, federal law says Medicare providers may not bill you for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or copays for covered services. AHCCCS pays them, up to its limits, after Medicare pays first. Show your AHCCCS card along with your Medicare card, and tell the office you're a QMB.
Extra Help comes with it
Anyone in a Medicare Savings Program automatically qualifies for Extra Help with Part D, which lowers drug plan premiums, deductibles and copays. With Extra Help or AHCCCS, you can also change your drug coverage once a month. See Medicare Savings Programs in Arizona and try the savings programs calculator.
How to apply
- Apply online at Health-e-Arizona Plus, or call AHCCCS at 602-417-4000 or 1-800-654-8713.
- Have your Medicare card, proof of income (Social Security, pensions, wages) and proof of Arizona residency ready.
- Answer requests for documents quickly, and renew when AHCCCS asks, so your premiums keep being paid.
If you also qualify for full AHCCCS coverage, see AHCCCS and Medicare to learn how the two work together, including Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans.
Get help
A licensed insurance agent with Benefits Life can explain how a Medicare Savings Program fits with your Medicare coverage and compare plans from the companies they work with, at (602) SENIORS (602-736-4677), TTY 711.
Related questions
When can I change my Medicare plan?
Including the monthly option with AHCCCS or Extra Help.
Can I use IHS and Medicare?
How IHS, AHCCCS and Medicare work together.
Do I need Part B if I'm still working?
When you can wait and when you shouldn't.
Sources
- AHCCCS — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Only
- AHCCCS — Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
- AHCCCS — Qualified Individual (QI) Program
- AHCCCS Eligibility Policy Manual — 409 Medicare Savings Program
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs (2026 national limits)
- Medicare.gov — Special Enrollment Periods (Medicaid and Extra Help)
- Health-e-Arizona Plus
Frequently asked questions
How much would a Medicare Savings Program save me?
SLMB and QI-1 pay the standard Part B premium, which is $202.90 a month in 2026. QMB Only also pays Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays, and the Part A premium if you owe one. Everyone in a Medicare Savings Program also qualifies automatically for Extra Help with Part D drug costs.
Does Arizona count my savings or home for these programs?
AHCCCS's Eligibility Policy Manual lists the conditions for the Medicare Savings Programs as residency, citizenship or qualified noncitizen status, a Social Security number and income, with no resource limit. Medicare.gov's national resource limits don't apply the same way in Arizona. AHCCCS makes the final decision.
How do I apply for QMB or SLMB in Arizona?
Apply online at Health-e-Arizona Plus (healthearizonaplus.gov), or contact AHCCCS at 602-417-4000 or 1-800-654-8713. You'll need proof of income, Arizona residency and your Medicare card.
Can I have QI-1 and full AHCCCS coverage?
No. AHCCCS says QI-1 isn't available if you qualify for other Medicaid coverage. People with full AHCCCS coverage usually get help with Medicare premiums through that coverage instead.
