Washington's rules: no asset test, higher income limits
Medicare Savings Programs are part of Washington Apple Health, the state's Medicaid program, run by the Health Care Authority (HCA) with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) handling many applications. Two Washington rules make these programs easier to get than the federal minimum:
- No resource test. HCA says there are no asset tests for Medicare Savings Programs, so you won't be asked to verify bank balances. Washington's rule, WAC 182-517-0100, has said so since the state removed the test on January 1, 2023. If your income fits, money in the bank doesn't stop you.
- Higher income levels. The same rule sets QMB at up to 110% of the federal poverty level and QI-1 at up to 138%. The federal minimum, which Medicare.gov shows, is 100% and 135%.
To qualify you must live in Washington, meet citizenship or immigration rules, and be entitled to Medicare Part A.
| Program | Income (federal poverty level) | 2026 limit, one person | 2026 limit, couple | What Apple Health pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | Up to 110% | $1,483 | $2,004 | Part A and Part B premiums, Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays (not prescriptions) |
| SLMB | Over 110% up to 120% | $1,616 | $2,185 | Part B premium |
| QI-1 | Over 120% up to 138% | $1,855 | $2,510 | Part B premium |
These are the monthly limits in HCA's Apple Health income standards chart dated April 1, 2026, which already include the general income deduction. A fourth program, QDWI, pays the Part A premium for some working people under 65 with disabilities who lost Part A without a premium because they returned to work.
How Washington counts income
Washington uses the SSI-related rules for these programs. Social Security, pensions and other unearned income count after the general income deduction already built into the limits above. Wages are treated more generously: WAC 182-512-0840 excludes the first 65 dollars of earnings each month plus half of the remainder, and some work-related expenses. That is why the screener tells working people to apply even if they look over the limit. Apple Health makes the decision; the screener only tells you whether applying is likely to be worth it.
Extra Help comes with it
Everyone who qualifies for QMB, SLMB or QI-1 also gets Extra Help, the federal program that lowers Part D premiums, deductibles and copays. If your income is above the savings program limits but no more than $23,940 a year for one person ($32,460 for a married couple) in 2026, you can apply for Extra Help on its own with Social Security. Extra Help does count resources: up to $16,590 for one person or $33,100 for a couple. See the drug cap estimator for what Extra Help copays add up to.
How to apply in Washington
- Apply online at Washington Connection, the state's application site, or use HCA's paper Application for Medicare Savings Program. DSHS's customer service line is 1-877-501-2233, and Apple Health customer service is 1-800-562-3022.
- Have proof of income ready: your Social Security award letter, pension statements and recent pay stubs. You won't need bank statements for the savings programs.
- Watch for the decision. If you are approved, Apple Health starts paying your Part B premium, and the amount stops coming out of your Social Security check after the change goes through.
Approval for a savings program doesn't change your Medicare plan by itself. If you have Apple Health and Medicare, you may have more plan choices and enrollment periods, including Apple Health Medicare Connect plans; read Apple Health and Medicare, Medicare Savings Programs in Washington and does Apple Health pay Medicare premiums? Late-enrollment penalties are covered on the penalty calculator.
Sources
- WAC 182-517-0100 — Federal Medicare savings programs (QMB 110%, SLMB 120%, QI-1 138% FPL; no resource test)
- Health Care Authority — Medicare Savings Programs flyer 22-500 (income chart effective April 1, 2026, shown after the general income deduction; PDF)
- Health Care Authority — Washington Apple Health income and resource standards, April 1, 2026 (PDF; Medicare Savings Program limits)
- Washington State Health Care Authority — Medicare Savings Program ("There are no asset tests for MSPs")
- Washington State Register — WSR 22-21-043 (resource test removed, effective January 1, 2023)
- WAC 182-512-0840 — SSI-related medical: work- and agency-related income exclusions
- Washington Connection (DSHS) — Apply for benefits
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs (federal minimum limits)
- Social Security — Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs
Frequently asked questions
Does Washington have an asset limit for Medicare Savings Programs?
No. The Health Care Authority says there are no asset tests for Medicare Savings Programs, and WAC 182-517-0100 says the federal Medicare Savings Programs don't require a resource test. Extra Help, which Social Security runs, does have a resource limit.
What income qualifies for QMB in Washington?
Countable income at or below 110% of the federal poverty level, higher than the 100% federal minimum. Under HCA's April 2026 standards that is $1,483 a month for one person or $2,004 for a couple, including the general income deduction. QMB pays the Part B premium, any Part A premium, and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays.
Why are these limits higher than the ones on Medicare.gov?
Medicare.gov shows the federal minimum: 100%, 120% and 135% of the poverty level. Washington uses 110% for QMB, 120% for SLMB and 138% for QI-1, so more people qualify here, especially for QMB and QI-1.
Where do I apply?
Online at Washington Connection, or with a paper Medicare Savings Program application from the Health Care Authority. If you qualify for any Medicare Savings Program, you also get Extra Help with Part D drug costs automatically.
I'm still working. Does my paycheck count the same way?
Not quite. For these programs Washington excludes the first 65 dollars of earned income each month plus half of the rest, along with some work expenses. So working people can qualify with gross pay above the limits this screener shows. If you work, apply even if the screener says you are over.
Medicare in your Washington county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Adams · Asotin · Benton · Chelan · Clallam · Clark · Columbia · Cowlitz · Douglas · Ferry · Franklin · Garfield · Grant · Grays Harbor · Island · Jefferson · King · Kitsap · Kittitas · Klickitat · Lewis · Lincoln · Mason · Okanogan · Pacific · Pend Oreille · Pierce · San Juan · Skagit · Skamania · Snohomish · Spokane · Stevens · Thurston · Wahkiakum · Walla Walla · Whatcom · Whitman · Yakima
