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CA · Medicare Savings Programs + Extra Help

California

No asset test for MSP

This state does not count savings or other resources when deciding Medicare Savings Program eligibility — only income.

California eliminated the asset test for Medi-Cal, including the Medicare Savings Programs — MSP eligibility is income-based only.

classified June 16, 2026Framework from documented secondary-source consensus · per-state dollar figures: confirm with the state or SHIP

Federal Extra Help is the same in California

The 2026 federal Extra Help income limit is about $23,475/year (single) and $31,725/year (couple). That part doesn’t change by state. What changes below is California’s Medicare Savings Programs — which can qualify you even if you’re above the federal Extra Help line.

California’s Medicare Savings Programs

California offers the four federal program tiers. The figures below are the 2026 federal baseline; California is more generous than the baseline — see the note above. Confirm the exact current figure with the state or a SHIP counselor.

QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary

At or below 100% FPL (+ $20 disregard)

Part A & Part B premiums, plus deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. The most comprehensive MSP. QMB enrollees are also automatically enrolled in full Extra Help.

Income — individual
$1,350/mo
Income — couple
$1,824/mo
Resources — individual
No asset test
Resources — couple
No asset test

SLMB — Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary

Between 100% and 120% FPL

Part B premium only. SLMB enrollees are automatically enrolled in full Extra Help.

Income — individual
$1,616/mo
Income — couple
$2,184/mo
Resources — individual
No asset test
Resources — couple
No asset test

QI — Qualifying Individual

Between 120% and 135% FPL

Part B premium only. Limited annual funding — apply early each year. QI enrollees are automatically enrolled in full Extra Help.

Income — individual
$1,816/mo
Income — couple
$2,455/mo
Resources — individual
No asset test
Resources — couple
No asset test

QDWI — Qualified Disabled & Working Individual

At or below 200% FPL (with earned-income disregards)

Part A premium for certain people under 65 who returned to work and lost premium-free Part A. QDWI does NOT automatically confer Extra Help. Income limit is up to 200% FPL but earned-income disregards raise the effective ceiling — check with your state.

Income — individual
See note
Income — couple
See note
Resources — individual
No asset test
Resources — couple
No asset test

Federal baseline MSP resource limits are CPI-adjusted annually; a handful of states disregard resources entirely. Confirm the current figure with your state Medicaid office or SHIP counselor before relying on it.

How to apply in California

State Medicaid agency (Medicare Savings Programs)
California Department of Health Care Services (Medi-Cal)
Free local help
California HICAP
Federal Extra Help
Apply with SSA (Form SSA-1020) — or see the step-by-step guide.

Estimate your eligibility

Pre-filled for California. Runs on your device — nothing logged.

This runs on your device. Your income and savings are never sent to us, stored, or logged.

1Are you already on Medicaid, SSI, or a Medicare Savings Program?

If yes, you are automatically enrolled in full Extra Help — there is nothing more to estimate.

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