Need help paying Medicare Part A/B premiums and cost-sharing? In many states you can get QMB/SLMB/QI help without any asset test—meaning savings and checking balances won’t block you. Below: a map of no-asset states and fast-apply steps so you can qualify sooner. Sources are official state sites where possible. Medicare
What Medicare Savings Programs cover—and how eligibility works (1-minute primer)
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are Medicaid-run benefits that help pay your Part B premium (SLMB/QI) and, for QMB, also pay deductibles and coinsurance for Medicare-covered services. You apply through your state, and if approved you also get Extra Help for Part D automatically. Medicare
Programs at a glance
- QMB: Pays Part A & Part B premiums (when due) and all Medicare cost-sharing you’d otherwise owe for covered services.
- SLMB/QI: Pay the Part B premium (QI is first-come, federal allotment).
- QDWI: Narrow program for some workers with disabilities; usually keeps a resource test, even in states that waive assets for QMB/SLMB/QI. medicaid.gov
Income vs. assets
- Income limits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level and are similar nationwide (DC often sets higher QMB income thresholds). DHCF
- Asset/resource tests vary by state—and an increasing number of states have eliminated the asset test for QMB/SLMB/QI. Medicare Interactive
Bottom line: Income usually matters everywhere; assets matter only in some states—and in several, assets are not counted at all for QMB/SLMB/QI.
2025 states with no MSP asset test (map + quick list)
As of 2025, the following jurisdictions do not apply an asset test for QMB/SLMB/QI (QDWI may differ). National nonprofit Medicare Rights lists: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont. We also confirm additional states via official pages, including California (asset test eliminated in 2024). Medicare Interactive+2Medicare Interactive+2
Selected state confirmations (examples):
- California: “Starting January 1, 2024, the asset test to qualify for a Medicare Savings Program was eliminated.” Department of Health Care Services
- Louisiana: “Only the QDWI program has a resource limit,” implying no asset test for QMB/SLMB/QI. ldh.la.gov
- Oregon: “There are no asset limits for these programs in Oregon.” Oregon
- Connecticut: “Connecticut does not have an asset limit for Medicare Savings Programs.” CT.gov
- Maine: State law: “The department may not apply an asset test” to MSP. legislature.maine.gov
- New Mexico: HSD “eliminated the resource requirement” for MSP. hsd.state.nm.us
- New York: State materials reflect no asset limit in MSP expansion. New York State Department of Health+1
- Alabama: 2025 PDF: “Resource limits do not apply for the Medicare Savings Program.” medicaid.alabama.gov
Note: Some state websites focus on income and don’t explicitly spell out assets in every page. When a state source was unclear, we relied on Medicare Rights and cross-checked with state manuals or recent notices when available. Always apply if you’re close—states must make the final call. Medicare Interactive
Bottom line: If you live in one of the states above, bank balances generally won’t disqualify you from QMB/SLMB/QI—apply now.
Where assets still matter (and what’s usually excluded)
In states that still use a resource test, the baseline federal limits most commonly referenced in 2025 were about $9,660 (individual) / $14,470 (couple) for QMB/SLMB/QI, with QDWI lower. States can disregard additional amounts or waive the test entirely. Typical exclusions include: your primary home, one car, certain burial arrangements, and personal belongings—but rules vary by state. cmsnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov+1
Bottom line: If your state still counts assets, many everyday items don’t count—and the limits may be higher than you think.
How to qualify fast: a 20-minute MSP application game plan
Step 1 — Gather quick documents (5–10 minutes)
- Government ID, Medicare card (Part A/B).
- Income proof (recent SSA award letter or last 30–60 days’ pay stubs).
- Address (utility bill, lease, or letter).
- If your state still uses assets: latest bank statements (checking/savings) and life insurance cash value if applicable. Medicare
Step 2 — Apply the fastest way in your state (10 minutes)
- Online via your state Medicaid portal or by phone with help from your SHIIP/SHIP counselor. (Search “Medicare Savings Program [your state] apply.”) Medicare
- If you’re in a no-asset state, the form often won’t ask for resources (you still provide income/ID). Oregon, Connecticut, Louisiana, California, Maine, New Mexico, Alabama all reflect streamlined rules. medicaid.alabama.gov+6Oregon+6CT.gov+6
Step 3 — Ask for “MSP screening” while you wait
- When you call your state Medicaid or SHIP line, say: “I’m applying for the Medicare Savings Program and would like to be screened for QMB, SLMB, and QI.” This ensures you get the best category you qualify for. Medicare
Step 4 — If approved, your savings start automatically
- Part B premium buy-in (and QMB cost-sharing) are set up by your state; you’ll also get Extra Help for Part D automatically. Medicare
Step 5 — If denied, appeal quickly
- Many denials are for missing verification; fix and resubmit. Ask for help from your state SHIP counselor. Medicare
Bottom line: Get your ID + income ready, submit online/phone, and let the state screen you for the highest MSP benefit you qualify for.
State-by-state snapshot (selected confirmations)
| State | Asset policy (QMB/SLMB/QI) | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No asset test (QDWI separate) | “Resource limits do not apply for the Medicare Savings Program.” medicaid.alabama.gov |
| Arizona | Listed no asset test by Medicare Rights; state pages emphasize income only (confirm when applying) | Medicare Rights list; AHCCCS MSP program pages. Medicare Interactive+1 |
| California | No asset test (effective 1/1/2024) | DHCS: asset test eliminated. Department of Health Care Services |
| Connecticut | No asset limit | DSS: “Connecticut does not have an asset limit for MSPs.” CT.gov |
| Delaware | Listed no asset test by Medicare Rights (state pages focus on income; confirm) | Medicare Rights list; DMMA pages. Medicare Interactive+1 |
| District of Columbia | Expanded QMB to 300% FPL; assets not referenced (confirm) | DC QMB expansion. DHCF |
| Louisiana | No asset test for QMB/SLMB/QI; QDWI has resource limit | LDH: “Only QDWI has a resource limit.” ldh.la.gov |
| Maine | No asset test by statute | 22 M.R.S. §3174-LLL. legislature.maine.gov |
| Mississippi | Listed no asset test by Medicare Rights (state site sparse; confirm during application) | Medicare Rights list; MS DOM pages. Medicare Interactive+1 |
| New Mexico | No asset test (resource requirement eliminated) | NM HSD release. hsd.state.nm.us |
| New York | No asset test (MSP expansion) | NY program/training materials. New York State Department of Health+1 |
| Oregon | No asset limits | ODHS page. Oregon |
| Vermont | Listed no asset test by Medicare Rights | Medicare Rights list. Medicare Interactive |
If your state isn’t listed here, assume assets may still count—but apply anyway. Many states ignore common resources (home, car) and use generous disregards. cmsnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov
Bottom line: These jurisdictions make MSP access faster because you don’t need to document assets—only income and identity.
Denied or delayed? Fix common snags
- Missing verification (e.g., SSA award letter): call Social Security for a same-day letter, upload to your state portal, and ask for expedited review if you have an imminent bill. Medicare
- Case closed for “no response”: resubmit immediately—you can re-open within the state’s window.
- Don’t meet QMB income? You might still qualify for SLMB or QI (Part B only). Ask to be screened for all. Medicare
Bottom line: Most issues are fixable with the right document—and SLMB/QI still save you the Part B premium.
Checklist: MSP fast-apply (print and use)
- I have my Medicare card and photo ID ready. Medicare
- I can upload income proof (SSA letter or pay stubs). Medicare
- I know whether my state uses an asset test (map/list above). Medicare Interactive
- I applied online or by phone and asked to be screened for QMB/SLMB/QI. Medicare
- If denied, I will appeal and contact my SHIP counselor. Medicare
Disclaimers
This guide is educational and general—not individualized legal, financial, or medical advice. Eligibility rules change and vary by state. Always confirm with your state Medicaid agency or a SHIP/SHIIP counselor. QDWI may still have a resource test even where QMB/SLMB/QI do not. Medicare
Sources
- Medicare.gov—Medicare Savings Programs (apply through your state). Source: Medicare.gov; last checked Oct 17, 2025. Medicare
- Medicaid.gov (Dual Eligible Standards)/CMS NTP—2025 income & baseline resource references. Source: Medicaid.gov/CMS NTP; last checked Oct 17, 2025. medicaid.gov+1
- Medicare Rights Center/Medicare Interactive—2025 list of no-asset-test states. Source: Medicare Interactive; last checked Oct 17, 2025. Medicare Interactive+1
- State confirmations: CA (asset test eliminated), LA (only QDWI uses resources), OR (no asset limits), CT (no asset limit), ME (no asset test in statute), NM (resource requirement eliminated), NY (MSP expansion; no asset limit), AL (resources do not apply). Last checked Oct 17, 2025. medicaid.alabama.gov+8Department of Health Care Services+8ldh.la.gov+8
3–5 takeaways
- Many states waive MSP assets entirely—making it faster to qualify for QMB/SLMB/QI. Medicare Interactive
- In no-asset states, you usually only need ID and income—not bank statements. Oregon+1
- Where assets still count, the home, one car and burial funds are often excluded; limits are higher than many expect. cmsnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov+1
- Apply even if unsure—states must screen you and can place you in QMB/SLMB/QI as eligible. Medicare
- If denied, appeal quickly and get help from your state SHIP. Medicare
Next steps
- Click your state’s Medicaid site and search “Medicare Savings Program” to apply today. Medicare
- If you live in a no-asset state (map above), gather ID + income and apply now—you could cut your Part B premium this month. Medicare Interactive
FAQs
1) Which states have no asset test for MSPs in 2025?
Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Vermont (QDWI may differ). Always verify with your state. Medicare Interactive+1
2) What documents do I need to apply fast?
Your Medicare card, photo ID, recent income proof, and address. In no-asset states you usually won’t need bank statements. Medicare+1
3) Does QMB pay all my Medicare copays?
Yes—QMB pays your Part A/B premiums and Medicare cost-sharing for covered services; providers can’t bill you for those amounts. Medicare
4) I was denied for missing proof—what now?
Submit the missing document and appeal; ask your SHIP counselor for help. Medicare
5) Do I get Extra Help with Part D if I get MSP?
Yes. Approval for any MSP confers Extra Help automatically. Medicare
6) If my state counts assets, what’s typical?
Many use federal baseline limits around $9,660/$14,470 (individual/couple) for QMB/SLMB/QI, with exclusions (home, one car). Check your state. cmsnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov
7) How long does MSP approval take?
Timelines vary by state; online + complete documents speeds decisions. Apply and ask your state Medicaid for current processing times. Medicare
8) Does DC really allow QMB at higher incomes?
Yes, DC expanded QMB up to 300% FPL (assets not referenced on program pages; confirm when applying). DHCF