Medicare Savings Programs in Hawaii
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help low- and moderate-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Hawaii's MSPs are administered through Med-QUEST.
The four MSP categories
| Program | What it pays | Hawaii income limit (single, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary | Part A & B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance | ~$1,409/month |
| SLMB — Specified Low-Income MB | Part B premium only | ~$1,693/month |
| QI — Qualifying Individual | Part B premium only | ~$1,902/month |
| QDWI — Qualified Disabled Working Individual | Part A premium | For disabled workers under 65 |
Hawaii income limits are higher than most states because of the higher cost of living. The figures above are approximate for 2026 — exact limits update annually based on Hawaii's Federal Poverty Level adjustments.
Asset limits
Hawaii MSPs have asset limits, but they're more generous than full Medicaid:
- QMB, SLMB, QI: approximately $9,660 for an individual / $14,470 for a couple (2026 federal limits, used by Hawaii)
- Excluded: your home, one car, household items, burial plot, $1,500 burial fund
What QMB does for you
QMB is the most comprehensive MSP. If you qualify, you pay $0 for:
- Part A premium (if you have to pay one — most don't)
- Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026)
- Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026)
- Part B deductible ($283 in 2026)
- Part B coinsurance (the 20% you'd otherwise pay for outpatient services)
- Most Medicare Advantage cost-sharing
Federal law prohibits providers from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing.
How MSPs interact with Med-QUEST and Extra Help
If you qualify for any MSP, you automatically qualify for Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) for prescription drugs:
- $0 or very low Part D premium
- $0 deductible
- $1.55 generic / $11.20 brand max copay
- $0 cost after the catastrophic coverage threshold
If you qualify for full Med-QUEST (Medicaid), you qualify for QMB automatically and the highest level of Extra Help.
How to apply
- Apply through Med-QUEST at mybenefits.hawaii.gov
- Or call 1-800-316-8005
- Sage PLUS counselors at 1-888-875-9229 can help you apply
Applying for MSP also automatically applies you for Extra Help — you don't need to file separately.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. MSPs have higher income limits than full Med-QUEST. Even if you're too well-off for Medicaid, you may still qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI.
No. MSPs are administered through Medicaid offices but don't affect Social Security or other benefits. They simply pay for Medicare costs you'd otherwise pay yourself.
Hawaii issues an MSP card or notice. Carry it with your Medicare card. Federal law prohibits providers from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing.
Yes. Each person's eligibility is determined separately, but household income and assets count for both spouses' applications.