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

In short: Maine's Medicare Savings Program limits are far above the federal minimum. Since July 1, 2024, you can qualify with income up to 250% of the federal poverty level, and there is no asset test, so your savings do not matter. The program pays your Part B premium, and at the lower income level also your Medicare deductibles and copays. Apply with the Office for Family Independence (OFI) at MyMaineConnection.gov or 1-855-797-4357.

What is different in Maine

The federal minimum for QMB is income up to 100% of the poverty level, with an asset limit of $9,950 for one person. Maine law goes much further:

  • QMB covers people with income up to 185% of the poverty level.
  • QI covers people with income above 185% and up to 250%.
  • No asset test. State law says the department may not use an asset test for this program.

Maine calls this the Medicare Savings Program, or "Buy-In." It does not have a separate SLMB level: QMB and QI cover the whole income range.

Who qualifies

You must live in Maine and be eligible for Medicare. Then compare your monthly income before taxes with these limits:

Program Income limit (share of poverty level) Assets
QMB up to 185% not counted
QI over 185%, up to 250% not counted

For 2026, the federal poverty level is $15,960 a year for one person, plus $5,680 for each added person. So the QMB limit for one person is well over twice the federal minimum of $1,350 a month. Maine updates its dollar charts each year. Ask OFI for this year's exact monthly amounts, or check the MaineCare eligibility guidelines on maine.gov.

What counts

  • Income: Social Security, pensions, wages and most other money you get, before taxes. Maine sets some income disregards by rule, so some income is not counted. Apply even if you think you are a little over.
  • Assets: Not counted at all. Your bank accounts, retirement savings, home and cars do not affect this program.

What each program pays

QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary)

  • Your Part B premium of $202.90 a month.
  • Your Part A premium, if you have to pay one.
  • Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays.

QI (Qualified Individual)

  • Your Part B premium only.
  • While you have QI, you cannot get other MaineCare benefits at the same time.

Neither program is full MaineCare coverage. Ask MaineCare Member Services what is covered if you are unsure.

Help with drugs comes with it

If you get QMB or QI, you also get Extra Help with Part D costs automatically. Maine's own drug program, DEL (Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled), uses the same income limit as QMB and also has no asset test. It can take up to 80% off the cost of your prescriptions, and you may pay a $2 copayment.

No estate recovery

MaineCare does not seek repayment from your estate for Medicare Savings Program benefits.

How to apply

  1. Gather your papers: your Medicare card, your Social Security benefit letter for this year, and proof of pensions or other income.
  2. Apply one of these ways:
    • Online: MyMaineConnection.gov.
    • Mail: Office for Family Independence, 114 Corn Shop Lane, Farmington, ME 04938.
    • Email: [email protected]. Fax: (207) 778-8429.
    • Phone: OFI, 1-855-797-4357.
    • In person: any DHHS district office.
  3. Use the MaineCare application. The same application and the same places are used for MaineCare, the Medicare Savings Program and DEL.
  4. Answer requests quickly. OFI may ask for more proof by a set date.

After you are approved

  • Renewal: OFI will send you a renewal. Return it by the date given, or your coverage can stop.
  • Report changes in income, address or marriage to OFI.
  • If you are denied: Your notice explains why and how to ask for a hearing. Read the deadline on the notice and act quickly.

Common mistakes

  • Not applying because of savings. Maine has no asset test for this program.
  • Using old income limits. Maine raised its limits on July 1, 2024. Many people with modest pensions now qualify.
  • Looking for SLMB. Maine has no separate SLMB level. People in that income range now qualify for QMB.
  • Not asking about DEL. It shares the QMB income limit and can lower drug costs.

Free help

  • Maine SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): free, private Medicare help, including help applying for Medicare Savings Programs. Call 1-877-353-3771.
  • Area Agencies on Aging (Aging and Disability Resource Centers): 1-877-353-3771, then choose your county.
  • MaineCare Member Services: 1-800-977-6740 (TTY 711).

See all benefits in Maine, or read about Medicare and Extra Help.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Maine agencies

Check what you may qualify for

Sources

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18