Medicare Savings Programs
If your income is below about $1,800 a month, you may be able to get Medicare for free — or close to it. Medicare Savings Programs are state-run programs that pay your Part B premium, which is $185 a month in 2026. The top program, called QMB, also covers your deductibles and copays. Most people who qualify have no idea these programs exist. Applying is separate from signing up for Medicare — you have to go through your state Medicaid office. These guides explain the income limits for each program in every state, what to bring when you apply, and what to say when you call.