What are Texas's rules?
Medicare Savings Programs are part of Texas Medicaid, run by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) under its Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD) rules. Texas looks at two things: your income and your countable resources. Unlike some states, Texas keeps a resource test. For 2026 the limit for QMB, SLMB and QI-1 is $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple, and HHSC updates it each January.
Not everything you own counts. HHSC's handbook leaves out a Texas homestead you live in, one car, burial spaces, life insurance with a small face value, and a limited burial fund for you and your spouse. Bank accounts, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds and land other than your homestead generally do count.
| Program | Income (federal poverty level) | Screener limit, one person | Screener limit, couple | What Texas Medicaid pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | Up to 100% | $1,350 | $1,824 | Part B premium, any Part A premium, Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays |
| SLMB | Over 100% up to 120% | $1,616 | $2,184 | Part B premium |
| QI-1 | Over 120% up to 135% | $1,816 | $2,455 | Part B premium |
Resource limit for all three programs in 2026: $9,950 for one person, $14,910 for a couple.
Why are HHSC's published limits a little lower?
HHSC's handbook lists its income limits before the general income deduction it subtracts first, so its numbers look slightly lower than the ones in the table. The limits in the table and the screener come from Medicare.gov and already include that deduction, so for someone whose income is Social Security or a pension they come out the same as HHSC's.
Wages are treated more generously: after the general deduction, HHSC leaves out a set amount of earnings and then half of what remains. That is why the screener tells working people to apply even if they look over the limit. HHSC makes the decision; the screener only tells you whether applying is likely to be worth it.
Does Extra Help come with it?
Yes. Everyone who qualifies for QMB, SLMB or QI-1 also gets Extra Help, the federal program that lowers Part D premiums, deductibles and copays. If your income or savings are above the savings program limits, you may still fit Extra Help: in 2026 its income limit is $23,940 a year for one person ($32,460 for a married couple), and its resource limit is $16,590 for one person or $33,100 for a couple, higher than Texas's savings program limit. You apply for Extra Help on its own with Social Security. See the drug cap estimator for what Extra Help copays add up to.
How do I apply in Texas?
- Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, HHSC's application site, or on paper with Form H1200-EZ, the application HHSC uses for Medicare Savings Programs. For help finding an office or getting a form, call 2-1-1 Texas.
- Have proof ready: your Social Security award letter, pension statements, recent pay stubs, and recent bank and investment statements for the resource test.
- Watch for the decision. If HHSC approves you, Texas starts paying your Part B premium, and the amount stops coming out of your Social Security check after the change goes through.
Approval for a savings program doesn't change your Medicare plan by itself. If you also get full Texas Medicaid, you may have more plan choices and enrollment periods; read Texas Medicaid and Medicare, Medicare Savings Programs in Texas and dual eligible special needs plans in Texas. Late-enrollment penalties are covered on the penalty calculator.
Sources
- HHSC MEPD Handbook — Appendix IX, Medicare Savings Program information (income and resource limits, exempt resources)
- HHSC MEPD Handbook — Q-1300, MSP resource limits
- HHSC MEPD Handbook — Q-1000, Medicare Savings Programs overview
- HHSC MEPD Handbook — B-3100, Application process (Form H1200-EZ)
- HHSC MEPD Handbook — G-4100, Income exclusions
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs (2026 income limits)
- Social Security — Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs
Frequently asked questions
Does Texas have an asset limit for Medicare Savings Programs?
Yes. HHSC's MEPD handbook sets the 2026 resource limit for QMB, SLMB and QI-1 at $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple, updated each January. Your Texas homestead, one car, burial spaces, life insurance with a small face value and a limited burial fund don't count.
What income qualifies for QMB in Texas?
Income at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. HHSC publishes its limits before the general income deduction it takes off first; with that deduction, someone whose income is Social Security or a pension can have about $1,350 a month for one person or $1,824 for a married couple in 2026. QMB pays the Part B premium and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays.
Where do I apply in Texas?
Online at YourTexasBenefits.com, or on paper with Form H1200-EZ, HHSC's application for Medicare Savings Programs. You can also get help at an HHSC benefits office or by calling 2-1-1 Texas. If you qualify for any Medicare Savings Program, you also get Extra Help with Part D drug costs automatically.
I'm still working. Does my paycheck count the same way?
Not quite. HHSC subtracts more from earned income than from Social Security or pensions: after the general deduction, it leaves out a set amount of wages and then half of the rest. So working people can qualify with gross pay above the limits this screener shows. If you work, apply even if the screener says you are over.
My savings are over the limit. Is there any other help?
Possibly. Extra Help, which Social Security runs, has a higher resource limit of $16,590 for one person or $33,100 for a couple in 2026. The screener checks it for you.
Medicare in your Texas county
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