Mississippi Medicare Savings Program Income Limits 2026

2026 Monthly Income Limits by Program

Mississippi's Medicare Savings Program income thresholds are tied to the Federal Poverty Level, updated each year. Mississippi DOM's 2026 guide lists these total monthly income limits. Income must be less than the amount shown:

QMB (up to 100% FPL)

• Individual: $1,380/month
• Couple: $1,854/month

SLMB (100–120% FPL)

• Individual: $1,646/month
• Couple: $2,214/month

QI (120–135% FPL)

• Individual: $1,846/month
• Couple: $2,485/month

QDWI (up to 200% FPL) — for disabled workers who lost premium-free Part A

• Individual: $5,405/month
• Couple: $7,299/month

How Mississippi's $50 Income Disregard Works

This is where most families — and sometimes caseworkers — get the math wrong. Mississippi uses a liberalized $50 general income exclusion instead of the standard $20 that most states apply. That extra $30 of disregard can be the difference between approval and denial.

Here's the calculation DOM uses:

1. Start with gross monthly unearned income (Social Security, pensions, VA benefits)
2. Subtract $50 (Mississippi's general income exclusion)
3. Compare the result with the applicable Federal Poverty Level threshold

So a senior receiving $1,320 in gross Social Security has $1,270 in countable income — below the 2026 100% FPL threshold of $1,330 for an individual. They meet the QMB income test, subject to the other eligibility requirements.

For earned income, additional exclusions stack: after the $50 general exclusion, DOM excludes $65 of earned income plus half of the remaining earned amount.

Mississippi Uses Gross Social Security, Not Net

DOM counts the gross Social Security benefit amount — the figure before Medicare Part B premiums, tax withholdings, or garnishments are deducted. If your parent's bank deposit is $1,117.10 after only the standard 2026 Part B premium of $202.90 is deducted, their gross Social Security is $1,320. DOM counts the $1,320.

Check the Social Security Benefit Adjustment Letter for the gross amount. The net deposit is not what DOM evaluates.

No Asset Test — Only Income Matters

Mississippi eliminated the asset test for QMB, SLMB, and QI under Section 1902(r)(2). Bank accounts, retirement savings, home equity, vehicles, and life insurance are not counted. DOM looks at monthly income only.

This does not apply to QDWI, which retains a $4,000/$6,000 resource limit. SSA's 2026 QDWI income standard is $5,405 for an individual and $7,299 for a couple; these amounts incorporate earned-income exclusions. Full Medicaid, the E&D Waiver, and nursing home coverage also have resource limits.

When Income Is Just Over the Limit

If your parent's income is slightly above QMB limits, they may still meet the income test for SLMB or QI. All three programs eliminate the standard Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026). The difference is that QMB also covers deductibles and cost-sharing, while SLMB and QI only cover the Part B premium.

A senior with $1,400 monthly income does not meet the QMB income test (total income must be less than $1,380) but does meet the SLMB income test (less than $1,646) — a potential $2,434.80 per year in standard Part B premium savings.

For help running the exact calculation with all applicable disregards, the Mississippi Medicare Savings Programs & Extra Help Guide includes a filled-in eligibility worksheet you can adapt to your parent's situation.

See more Mississippi guides →