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DC · Medicare Savings Programs + Extra Help

District of Columbia

Higher income limits than federal

This state sets Medicare Savings Program income limits above the federal floor, so some people who are over the federal line still qualify.

The District sets higher MSP income limits than the federal floor.

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 District of Columbia

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 District of Columbia’s Medicare Savings Programs — which can qualify you even if you’re above the federal Extra Help line.

District of Columbia’s Medicare Savings Programs

District of Columbia offers the four federal program tiers. The figures below are the 2026 federal baseline; District of Columbia 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
$9,990
Resources — couple
$14,930

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
$9,990
Resources — couple
$14,930

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
$9,990
Resources — couple
$14,930

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
$4,000
Resources — couple
$6,000

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 District of Columbia

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

Estimate your eligibility

Pre-filled for District of Columbia. 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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