One program name, four programs
When an Ohio Medicaid letter, a county Job and Family Services (JFS) office or a retirement system mentions "Medicare Premium Assistance," it means the four Medicare Savings Programs set out in OAC 5160:1-3-02.1:
| Program | Pays | 2026 income limit, one person |
|---|---|---|
| QMB | Part A premium (if any), Part B premium, Medicare deductibles, copays and coinsurance | $1,350 a month |
| SLMB | Part B premium | $1,616 a month |
| QI-1 | Part B premium | $1,816 a month |
| QDWI | Part A premium for some working people under 65 with a disability | 200% of the poverty level |
QMB, SLMB and QI-1 share a 2026 resource limit of $9,950 for one person or $14,910 for a couple. Ohio uses the federal minimum income levels and keeps the asset test. Full tables: Medicare Savings Program income limits in Ohio.
Who runs it
The Ohio Department of Medicaid writes the rules and pays Medicare directly through what the rule calls its buy-in unit. Your county Department of Job and Family Services takes the application, decides whether you qualify and coordinates with Social Security. Once the state starts paying your Part B premium ($202.90 a month in 2026), it stops coming out of your Social Security benefit.
Why it's worth applying
- Extra Help comes with it. QMB, SLMB and QI-1 members get Extra Help with Part D drug costs automatically. See Extra Help in Ohio.
- QMB stops most Medicare bills. Providers may not bill QMB members for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or copays.
- No estate recovery. Ohio's rule OAC 5160:1-2-07 excludes MPAP benefits paid since January 1, 2010.
- You can apply from home. Apply online at benefits.ohio.gov, or by phone or mail through your county JFS office.
To see how MPAP fits with your Medicare choices, read Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio, or you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent to compare coverage from the companies they work with.
Related questions
What is QMB in Ohio?
The broadest of the four programs.
QMB vs. SLMB vs. QI in Ohio
Side by side.
How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Ohio?
The steps and the papers.
Sources
- Ohio Administrative Code — Rule 5160:1-3-02.1, Medicare premium assistance programs (MPAP)
- Ohio Administrative Code — Rule 5160:1-2-07, Medicaid estate recovery
- Ohio Department of Medicaid — 2026 Monthly Financial Eligibility, Aged, Blind, or Disabled Individuals (PDF)
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs
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 is the difference between QMB, SLMB and QI 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?
Part of the guide: Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Is the Medicare Premium Assistance Program the same as a Medicare Savings Program?
Yes. Medicare.gov and most states say Medicare Savings Programs; Ohio's Medicaid rule, OAC 5160:1-3-02.1, calls the same four programs (QMB, SLMB, QI-1 and QDWI) the Medicare premium assistance programs, or MPAP.
Is MPAP the same as full Ohio Medicaid?
No. MPAP pays Medicare costs only. Some people qualify for both full Medicaid and QMB or SLMB, but QI-1 and QDWI are only for people who don't qualify for other Ohio Medicaid.
Does MPAP pay for prescription drugs?
No. Ohio's rule says Part D isn't covered by MPAP. But people approved for QMB, SLMB or QI-1 automatically get Extra Help, the federal program that lowers Part D costs.
Does Ohio recover MPAP benefits from my estate?
No. Ohio's estate recovery rule excludes Medicare premium assistance paid on or after January 1, 2010.
Medicare in your Ohio county
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