Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in Idaho. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Medicare and health costs
Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare runs three Medicare Savings Programs: QMB, SLMB and QI.
They may pay your Medicare Part B premium, and with QMB also your deductibles, coinsurance and, in some cases, your Part A premium. Idaho uses the federal income and savings limits, and you can apply online through Idalink, by phone, or at a field office.
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official site| 2026 figures | One person | Married couple |
|---|---|---|
| QMB income limit | $1,350 a month | $1,824 a month |
| SLMB income limit | $1,616 a month | $2,184 a month |
| QI income limit | $1,816 a month | $2,455 a month |
| Savings limit | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| What QMB pays | Your Part B premium, coinsurance and deductible, plus the Part A premium in some cases |
|---|---|
| What SLMB pays | Your Part B premium only |
| What QI pays | Your Part B premium only |
Free help
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in Idaho. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
Newsletter
Benefit figures, deadlines and rules change every year. We'll tell you what changed and what to check, about twice a month.