For those with Medicare, the Medicare Premium Payment (MPP) program, also known as the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP), might help save money on the cost of premiums, co-payments, and deductible. These programs pay for some of the cost of Medicare for seniors and people with disabilities who are not otherwise eligible for Medical Assistance. Medicare Part A covers hospital services. There is no monthly premium but there are co-pays and deductibles. Medicare Part B covers doctors’ visits and other medical costs. There is monthly premium for Medicare Part B which is usually deducted from the individual’s Social Security check. For 2026, the standard monthly premium is $202.90 and the annual deductible is $283. The types of costs covered by the Medicare Premium Program is determined by the applicant’s income level as shown in the chart below.
Who Qualifies?
- People that have Medicare Part A (elders receiving Social Security Retirement benefits; people who have received Social Security Disability benefits for two years).
- Must be citizen or qualified immigrant. Eligible immigrants include: refugee or person granted asylum. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) who entered the U.S. before 8/22/96 or if entered on/after 8/22/96 must be in status for at least 5 years. In addition, immigrants who were in lawful status in the U.S. before 8/22/96 and lived in RI at some time before 7/1/97 may be eligible for coverage.
Income and Resource Limits
The income limit for an individual is $1,683 and resource limit of $9,950. The income limit for a couple is $2,275 for a married couple and a resource limit of $14,910. The home in which the person lives and a car used to get to medical treatment does not count.
*While the resource limit ($9,950) for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB) is higher than the resource limit ($4,000) for the Medical Assistance (MA) low-income Aged/Disabled program, the income limits are the same. MA provides more comprehensive coverage, including prescriptions. MA can also pay for the Medicare premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. Therefore, people will generally want to apply for Medical Assistance, and not just QMB, as long as their resources are within the MA limit ($4,000/individual).
How to Apply
Rhode Island still offers the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB) and the Qualified Disabled & Working Individual (QDWI) programs because they are required by federal law. However, Rhode Island has made some changes to expand eligibility for the Medicare Premium Payment Program. As of February 2026, people who would have qualified for SLMB will now qualify for QMB instead and will be automatically enrolled in the QMB group. People who qualify for QDWI can receive Medicaid through Rhode Island’s Sherlock/Ticket to Work (TTW) programs, which are designed to support working individuals with disabilities.
You can apply by submitting a paper application which you can download here. You can also request a paper application from a DHS office or by calling: 1-855-697-4347.
A decision must be made within 30 days of application. If denied, the person can file a written appeal within 30 days of the date on the notice.
RI Legal Services (1-800-662-5034) may provide assistance to families who are denied benefits. You can also contact RIPIN for assistance (401-270-0101).
Monthly Income Guidelines
Medicare Premium Programs (2026)
| Program | Individual Income Limit | Individual Resource Limit | Couple Income Limit | Couple Resource Limit | What’s Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (100% FPL) | $1,683 | $9,950 | $2,275 | $14,910 | Medicare premiums, co-pays, and deductibles |
| Qualifying Individual (135% FPL) | $2,255 | $9,950 | $3,050 | $14,910 | Medicare Part B premium (limited # of eligible) |
*Note Income limits include the $20 disregard for unearned income.