CT MSP Income Limits 2026: Connecticut Medicare Savings Program Thresholds
2026 Income Limits by Tier
Connecticut's Medicare Savings Program income limits take effect each year on March 1, following the publication of updated federal poverty guidelines. For 2026, the monthly gross income limits are:
| Program | Single | Married Couple | Approximate % FPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | $2,807 | $3,806 | ~211% |
| SLMB | $2,807.01–$3,073 | $3,806.01–$4,166 | ~231% |
| ALMB (QI) | $3,073.01–$3,272 | $4,166.01–$4,437 | ~246% |
These are gross monthly income figures, not net. DSS evaluates income before payroll or tax withholdings.
For context, the standard federal QMB limit for 2026 is about $1,350 per month for a single person. Connecticut's $2,807 limit is more than double that — among the highest MSP thresholds in the country.
How Married Couples Are Evaluated
When both spouses apply, their combined income is tested against the couple limit. When only one spouse applies, DSS first tests combined income against the couple limit. If combined income exceeds it, DSS checks the applicant's individual income against the single limit — a deeming-hardship safeguard that prevents one spouse's higher income from automatically disqualifying the other.
Spouses living apart due to marital separation are evaluated individually against the single limits.
What Counts as Income
DSS counts gross monthly income from all sources:
- Social Security retirement or disability benefits (the gross amount before Medicare premium deductions)
- Pensions and annuities
- Interest, dividends, and investment income
- Net rental income
- Wages and self-employment earnings (before disregards)
What doesn't count: SSI payments, Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance pension benefits (excluded under PA 25-95), one-time lump-sum gifts, SNAP benefits, and energy assistance.
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Income Disregards That Lower Your Countable Total
The published limits already incorporate Connecticut's expanded Section 1902(r)(2) disregards — don't subtract an additional $20 from the chart numbers, as that would double-count the disregard.
However, earned income gets separate treatment. If the applicant works, DSS disregards the first $65 of gross monthly earnings plus 50% of the remainder. A senior earning $500 per month from part-time work would have only $217.50 counted ($500 − $65 = $435 × 50% = $217.50).
No Asset Test in Connecticut
Connecticut law (CGS § 17b-95) prohibits DSS from applying any resource or asset test for MSP. Savings accounts, retirement funds, home equity, stocks, bonds, and vehicles are all irrelevant. For the financial test, only monthly income matters.
If a DSS eligibility worker requests bank statements or asset documentation for an MSP-only application, that request is improper. Applicants should escalate to a supervisor citing the statute.
A Quick Eligibility Example
A single senior in Waterbury receiving $2,700 per month in Social Security:
- Gross unearned income: $2,700
- General disregard already built into the published limit
- 2026 QMB single limit: $2,807
This person qualifies for QMB — the most comprehensive tier. The state would pay their $202.90 monthly Part B premium (saving $2,434.80 per year), cover all Medicare deductibles and coinsurance, and automatically enroll them in Full Extra Help for prescription drugs.
The Connecticut Medicare Savings & Extra Help Guide includes step-by-step income calculation worksheets, so families can determine exact eligibility before applying.
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