Medicare Savings Program · state
Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
WA Health Care Authority
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are Medicaid-funded programs administered by Washington that help individuals entitled to Medicare pay their Part A and/or Part B premiums and (for QMB) cost-sharing. Washington applies a $20 unearned-income disregard and notably has no asset test for MSP eligibility, applicants are not asked to verify bank account balances or other resources. There are four tiers, each with different income thresholds and benefits. MSP enrollees are also automatically enrolled in the federal Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy for Medicare Part D.
Who qualifies
Must be entitled to Medicare (Part A or eligible for Part A). Income limits effective April 1, 2026 (include the $20 disregard, household sizes 1/2): QMB (S03) ≤110% FPL, $1,483 / $2,004; SLMB (S05) ≤120% FPL, $1,616 / $2,185; QI-1 (S06) ≤138% FPL, $1,855 / $2,510; QDWI (S04) ≤200% FPL (must be a working disabled individual under 65 who lost free Part A), $2,680 / $3,628. No asset test in Washington.
What it covers
QMB: pays Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copayments (except prescription copays). SLMB: pays Part B premiums. QI-1: pays Part B premiums. QDWI: pays Part A premiums.
Cost
Source: HCA 19-0096 (April 2026) and HCA 22-500 MSP flyer. Note WA's QMB threshold is 110% FPL (vs. federal 100% baseline) due to state-elected expansion.
How to apply
Apply online at washingtonconnection.org, or by paper using HCA Form 13-691 (Application for Medicare Savings Program). DSHS administers MSP enrollment.
Source www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care/i-need-medical-dental-or-vision-care