Side by side (2026)
| QMB | SLMB | QI-1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income limit, one person (couple) | $1,350 ($1,824) | $1,616 ($2,184) | $1,816 ($2,455) |
| Poverty level | Up to 100% | Over 100% to 120% | Over 120% to 135% |
| Resource limit, one person (couple) | $9,950 ($14,910) | ||
| Part B premium | Paid | Paid | Paid |
| Part A premium (if you owe one) | Paid | Not paid | Not paid |
| Medicare deductibles, copays, coinsurance | Paid; providers can't bill you | Not paid | Not paid |
| Medicare you need | Part A or Part B | Part A | Part A |
| Earliest start | Month after approval | Up to 3 months before you apply | Up to 3 months before you apply |
| With other Ohio Medicaid | Allowed | Allowed | Not allowed |
Source: OAC 5160:1-3-02.1; income limits from Medicare.gov, which include the 20-dollar disregard. The Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026.
What the differences mean for you
- QMB is the big one. Besides premiums, it covers the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period) and the 20 percent Part B coinsurance. Because QMB already covers Medicare cost sharing, many members find they don't need a Medigap policy.
- SLMB and QI-1 cover the premium only. You still owe Medicare's deductibles and coinsurance, so think about how you'll cover them, through a Medigap policy, a Medicare Advantage plan or your own savings.
- Timing differs. QMB has no retroactive months in Ohio, while SLMB and QI-1 can reach back three months, which can mean a refund of premiums already taken out of your check.
- QI-1 has a funding catch. Medicare.gov says states approve QI first come, first served each year, with priority for people who had it the year before.
QDWI, a fourth program, pays only the Part A premium for some working people under 65 with a disability. More on all four in Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio. To match Medicare coverage to the program you get, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
What is QMB in Ohio?
The full-help program in detail.
What are the Medicare Savings Program income limits in Ohio?
How Ohio counts income.
What is the Medicare Premium Assistance Program in Ohio?
Ohio's name for these programs.
Sources
- Ohio Administrative Code — Rule 5160:1-3-02.1, Medicare premium assistance programs (MPAP)
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs (2026 limits; QI rules)
- Ohio Department of Medicaid — MEPL No. 191, 2026 MPAP resource limit (PDF)
- eCFR — 42 CFR 423.773, Extra Help deemed eligibility
More questions in this guide
- Can a doctor bill me if I have QMB?
- How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Ohio?
- How do I apply for Extra Help with Medicare drug costs in Ohio?
- What are the Medicare Savings Program income limits in Ohio?
- What assets count for Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio?
- What is QMB in Ohio?
- What is the Medicare Premium Assistance Program in Ohio?
Part of the guide: Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I choose which program to apply for?
No. You file one Medicaid application at benefits.ohio.gov or with your county Job and Family Services office, and Ohio's rule tells the county to check you for every MPAP category and full Medicaid.
Is SLMB better than QI-1?
They pay the same thing, the Part B premium. The differences are that QI-1 has a higher income limit, isn't available to anyone who qualifies for other Ohio Medicaid, and, Medicare.gov says, must be renewed every year.
Do all three come with Extra Help?
Yes. People in QMB, SLMB or QI-1 are deemed eligible for Extra Help with Part D drug costs, with no separate application to Social Security.
Medicare in your Ohio county
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