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Medicare and health costs
Medicare Savings Programs in Texas
Texas Health and Human Services runs three Medicare Savings Programs that pay your Medicare Part B premium, and with QMB also your Part A premium, deductibles and coinsurance.
Texas uses the federal income and savings limits, but it lists its income limits after setting aside the first $20 of your monthly income, so the numbers look $20 lower than on federal charts. You can apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, by calling 211, or at a local benefits office.
How to apply in Texas
- Online
- yourtexasbenefits.com
- By phone
- 211
- In person
- At your local Texas Health and Human Services benefits office.
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify in Texas
| 2026 figures | One person | Married couple |
|---|---|---|
| QMB income limit | $1,330 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) | $1,804 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) |
| SLMB income limit | Under $1,596 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) | Under $2,164 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) |
| QI income limit | Under $1,796 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) | Under $2,435 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) |
| Savings limit | $9,950 | $14,910 |
Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (source 1)
What you may get
| What QMB pays | Your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance |
|---|---|
| What SLMB pays | Your Part B premium only |
| What QI-1 pays | Your Part B premium only |
Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (source 1)
Good to know
- Texas lists its income limits after the first $20 of monthly income is set aside. So $1,330 for QMB lines up with the federal limit of $1,350, and the other limits line up the same way.
- The 2026 limits apply from March 2026; months before March 2026 use the 2025 limits.
- Texas does not count your home, one car, burial spaces, and up to $1,500 set aside for burial when it adds up your savings.
Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (source 1)
Free help
Free help with this in Texas
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in Texas
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
- Minnesota
- 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
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Appendix IX, Medicare Savings Program Information (MEPD Handbook) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission, MEPD and TW Bulletin 26-04: 2026 Federal Poverty Level (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission, B-3200, Application Requirements (MEPD Handbook) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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