Minnesota Aging Pathways
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Medicare and health costs
Medicare Savings Programs in Minnesota
Minnesota's Department of Human Services runs Medicare Savings Programs that may pay your Medicare Part B premium and, with QMB, your Part A premium, deductibles and copays.
Minnesota lets you keep more savings than the federal rules allow: up to $10,000 for one person or $18,000 for a couple. Minnesota updates its limits each July, and you apply on a paper form through your county or Tribal agency.
How to apply in Minnesota
- In person
- Take the Application for Certain Populations (DHS-3876) to your county or Tribal agency. You can also mail or fax it to them; the form lists every agency's address and phone number.
- By mail
- Mail the Application for Certain Populations (DHS-3876) to your county or Tribal agency.
Who may qualify in Minnesota
| 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 | $10,000 | $18,000 |
What you may get
| What QMB pays | Your Part A premium (if you owe one) and Part B premium, plus Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays |
|---|---|
| What SLMB pays | Your Part B premium |
| What QI pays | Your Part B premium, while funding lasts (first come, first served) |
Dates, renewals and waiting lists
| Current limits in effect | July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 |
|---|
How Minnesota is different
Where Minnesota's rules differ from the federal rules for Medicare Savings Programs.
- Savings limit higher than the federal one: $10,000 for one person, $18,000 for a household of two
Good to know
- For free help applying, Minnesota Aging Pathways (for people 65 or older or on Medicare) is at 1-800-333-2433.
Free help
Free help with this in Minnesota
Minnesota Aging Pathways
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in Minnesota
Medicare Savings Programs in another state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- Minnesota Department of Human Services, 4.2.1.7 Types of Medicare Savings Programs (Eligibility Policy Manual) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Minnesota Department of Human Services, 4.2.3.1 MSP Assets (Eligibility Policy Manual) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Minnesota Department of Human Services, Insurance Affordability Programs Income and Asset Guidelines (DHS-3461A, effective 7/1/26 to 6/30/27) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Minnesota Department of Human Services, Minnesota Health Care Programs Application for Certain Populations (DHS-3876) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Minnesota Department of Human Services, People who need help with Medicare costs (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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