Skip to main content
Free helpMedicare help (SHIP)1-877-839-2675Eldercare Locator1-800-677-1116
Text size
Menu
Text size

Medicare and health costs

Medicare Savings Programs in District of Columbia

In the District, the Medicare Savings Program is a single program called QMB, run by DC Medicaid.

Checked

From the DC Department of Health Care Finance
An older woman in her kitchen reads a letter from the day's mail

It may pay your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance if your income is up to 300% of the federal poverty level, far above the federal limit. Your savings are not counted.

How to apply in District of Columbia

By phone
202-727-5355
In person
At any DC Department of Human Services (ESA) service center. You can drop off or pick up a paper application there.
By mail
Mail the Integrated Application to Department of Human Services, Economic Security Administration, Case Record Management Unit, P.O. Box 91560, Washington, DC 20090, or fax it to 202-671-4400.

Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.

Apply on the official site

Who may qualify in District of Columbia

Who may qualify for Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
2026 figuresOne personMarried couple
QMB income limit$4,010 a month$5,430 a month

Source: DC Department of Health Care Finance (source 1)

SLMB income limitNo separate SLMB; QMB covers this income rangeNo separate SLMB; QMB covers this income range

Source: DC Department of Human Services, Economic Security Administration (source 2)

QI income limitNo separate QI; QMB covers this income rangeNo separate QI; QMB covers this income range

Source: DC Department of Human Services, Economic Security Administration (source 2)

Savings limitNo limitNo limit

Source: DC Department of Human Services, Economic Security Administration (source 2)

What you may get

What Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program pays
What QMB paysYour Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance for Medicare-covered care

Source: DC Department of Health Care Finance (source 1)

How District of Columbia is different

Where District of Columbia's rules differ from the federal rules for Medicare Savings Programs.

  • QMB is the only program, with an income limit of 300% of the poverty level ($4,010 a month for one person in 2026)
  • SLMB and QI are folded into QMB, so everyone who qualifies gets help with deductibles and coinsurance, not just the Part B premium
  • No savings limit

Sources: DC Department of Health Care Finance (source 1), DC Department of Human Services, Economic Security Administration (source 2)

Good to know

  • Show your QMB card along with your Medicare card at every visit. If you lose it, call the DC Health Care Ombudsman at 1-877-685-6391.

Source: DC Department of Health Care Finance (source 1)

Free help

Free help with this in District of Columbia

More help in District of Columbia

Medicare Savings Programs in another state

Sources

  1. DC Department of Health Care Finance, Full Duals and Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Only (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  2. DC Department of Human Services, Economic Security Administration, ESA Policy Manual (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  3. DC Department of Human Services, Public Benefits (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.

Was this page helpful?

Report an error on this page

Tell us which figure or sentence, and where you saw the right one if you can.

Only if you want a reply. We won't add you to any list.