Medicare Savings Programs in Connecticut: 2026 income limits and how to apply

Who qualifies

You can get a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) in Connecticut if you:

• live in Connecticut,
• have Medicare Part A (or can get it), and
• have monthly income at or below the limit for one of the three levels.

These limits took effect March 1, 2026. DSS updates them each year.

For comparison, the federal minimum QMB limit is $1,350 a month for one person. Most states use that figure. Connecticut's is much higher.

What counts and what does not

Income

• DSS looks at your gross monthly income, before anything is taken out. If you are married, it adds your spouse's gross income to yours.
• This means your Social Security counts before the Part B premium is taken out. Pensions, annuities, interest and other income count too.
• Not all wages count. DSS says some earned income is not counted, so apply even if your pay puts you a little over.

Assets

• There is no asset limit. DSS says, "Connecticut does not have an asset limit for Medicare Savings Programs."
• Your home, car, bank accounts, retirement accounts and life insurance do not affect MSP.
• In most other states, savings over $9,950 for one person would block you. Not in Connecticut.

The three levels

QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary)

QMB is the most complete level. It pays:

• your Part B premium ($202.90 a month in 2026),
• Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles and coinsurance, up to the Medicaid rate,
• the Part A premium if you are 65 or older and do not get Part A free from your work record.

Federal law protects QMB members from balance billing. A doctor or hospital that takes Medicare should not bill you for Medicare-covered care.

SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary)

SLMB pays your Part B premium only. You still pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance.

ALMB (Additional Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary)

ALMB is Connecticut's name for the federal QI program. It pays your Part B premium only. Two rules apply:

• It depends on available program funding.
• You cannot get ALMB if you also have Medicaid (HUSKY).

Extra Help comes with every level

If you get QMB, SLMB or ALMB, you are signed up for Extra Help automatically. Extra Help lowers your Part D premium and caps drug copays at $5.10 for generics and $12.65 for brand-name drugs. It also lets you change Part D or Medicare Advantage plans outside the usual enrollment period.

How to apply

1. Choose your form.
   • W-1QMB if you only want a Medicare Savings Program.
   • W-1E if you also want other DSS help, such as SNAP, cash help or HUSKY C.
2. Apply one of three ways.
   • Online: go to www.connect.ct.gov and choose "Apply for Benefits."
   • By mail: send the form to DSS ConneCT Scanning Center, PO Box 1320, Manchester, CT 06045.
   • In person: drop off the form or apply at a DSS regional office. Use the office locator on the DSS website.
3. Send proof of income. Include proof of your gross monthly income from every source, such as your Social Security award letter and pension statements. Send copies, not originals.
4. Questions: call the DSS Benefits Center at 1-855-626-6632 (1-855-6-CONNECT). TTY: 1-800-842-4524.

After you apply

• Your notice: DSS sends a written Notice of Action telling you if you are approved and at which level.
• Report changes: tell DSS within 10 days if your income or address changes. Report online at www.connect.ct.gov or by mail to the Scanning Center address above.
• Renewals: DSS will ask you to renew. Send renewal forms to the Scanning Center, not to a regional office. Keep a copy.
• If you are denied: you can ask for a fair hearing. You have 60 days from the date of the Notice of Action. Use the hearing request form that comes with the notice, or send a signed letter with your name, address, case number and why you disagree.

Things people miss

• Savings do not matter. Many people with a paid-off home and money in the bank never apply because they assume they have too much. Connecticut does not count assets for MSP.
• Gross income is used. Look at your Social Security amount before the Part B premium is taken out.
• The income limits are high. A single person with income of almost $3,272 a month can still qualify for ALMB.
• You do not need full Medicaid. An MSP is separate from HUSKY C. You can get an MSP even if your income is far too high for HUSKY C.

Free help

• CHOICES is Connecticut's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Counselors give free, unbiased help applying for MSPs and Extra Help. Call 1-800-994-9422. The same number reaches your local Aging and Disability Resource Center.
• DSS general information: 1-800-842-1508.

See all benefits in Connecticut for HUSKY C, home care and other help. Learn more about Medicare Part B and Extra Help.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Connecticut agencies

Check what you may qualify for