Costs
Medicare Savings Program in Illinois: 2026 limits
The 2026 Part B premium is $202.90 a month, and in 2027 it is projected at about $209.50 per the Medicare Trustees Report projection (CMS announces the final amount in the fall). On a modest Social Security check, that's a big share. Illinois has three programs that can pay it, and one also covers Part A and B deductibles and coinsurance. Many parents who qualify have never heard of them. Here are the 2026 limits and how to apply.
| Program | Monthly income, 1 person | Couple | What it pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | up to $1,330 | up to $1,803 | Part A and B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance |
| SLIB (SLMB) | $1,331–$1,595 | $1,804–$2,163 | Part B premium |
| QI-1 | $1,596–$1,794 | $2,164–$2,433 | Part B premium |
Three programs, one goal
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary)
- Pays Part A and B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. In 2026, income up to $1,330 a month for one person, $1,803 for a couple.
- SLIB, also called SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary)
- Pays the Part B premium. In 2026, income $1,331 to $1,595 a month for one person, $1,804 to $2,163 for a couple.
- QI-1 (Qualified Individual)
- Pays the Part B premium. In 2026, income $1,596 to $1,794 a month for one person, $2,164 to $2,433 for a couple. The state approves QI first-come, first-served, with priority for people who had QI the year before.
Asset limit
For all three, assets can't exceed $9,950 for one person or $14,910 for a couple in 2026, not counting an extra $1,500 (one person) or $3,000 (couple) set aside for burial. Illinois also disregards $25 of monthly income, so in practice the income limit is $25 higher.
People in QMB, SLMB and QI also get Extra Help with drug costs (medicare.gov).
How to apply
Apply through the state's ABE portal (abe.illinois.gov) or a local Illinois DHS office. QMB help starts the month after the approval. For SLIB and QI-1, the premium can be paid for the application month and up to three months back. Illinois SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program, Illinois Department on Aging) also advises at 1-800-252-8966; SHIP counselors don't sell insurance.
Sources: Illinois DHS WAG 25-03-02 (2026 standards); Illinois Department on Aging 2026 MSP chart; medicare.gov; the 2026 Part B premium from CMS (November 14, 2025) and its 2027 projection from the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report. The 2027 limits haven't been announced yet; they usually come out in April. We can check whether your parent's income fits and which plans make sense with MSP. Book a consultation, with no obligation to enroll.