Medicare Savings Programs in California
If you or someone you know is having trouble paying Medicare costs, there are ways to save money on Medicare premiums and other costs, like deductibles and copayments.
The state of California has made it easier for Californians to apply for help paying Medicare costs. On July 1st, 2022 the asset test to qualify for a Medicare Savings Program increased. These changes apply to the things you own, including bank accounts, cash, second homes and vehicles, and other financial resources. The new limit is $130,000 for one person and an additional $65,000 for each additional family member. More information about the asset limit changes can be found here.
Californians with an annual income of less than $18,347 for an individual or $24,719 for a couple are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program. These programs provide help from the State of California to pay for your Medicare premiums, and sometimes your deductibles and copayments.
Think you may be eligible?
The application process for Medicare Savings Programs is the same as Medi-Cal. If you are eligible, you can tell your county eligibility office which program you would like to enroll in. Apply for a Medicare Savings Program, and Medi-Cal, in one of the following ways:
If you only want to apply for a Medicare Savings Program, you may fill out the application (MC 14A) and mail it to the Medicare Savings Program contact at your local county office. You may also apply by phone with your local county social service office.
For more general information about Medicare Savings Programs, visit Medicare.gov.
Medicare Savings Programs and What Each Provides
| Program | Gross Income Limits for 2022* (These Amounts Change Annually) | Benefit | |
| Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (Must Be Entitled to Medicare Part A) | Individual Monthly – $1,153 Annually – $13,836 | Individual and Spouse Monthly – $1,546 Annually – $18,552 | Payment of Medicare Part A and Part B Premium, Deductibles and Copayments |
| Specified Low-Income Beneficiary (Must Have Medicare Part A) | Individual Monthly – $1,379 Annually – $16,548 | Individual and Spouse Monthly – $1,851 Annually – $22,212 | Payment of Medicare Part B Premium |
| Qualifying Individual (Must Have Medicare Part A and cannot also receive Medi-Cal) | Individual Monthly – $1,549 Annually – $18,588 | Individual and Spouse Monthly – $2,080 Annually – $24.960 | Payment of Medicare Part B Premium |
| Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (Lost Medicare Part A Because You Returned to Work and cannot also receive Medi-Cal) | Individual Monthly – $4,615 Annually – $55,380 | Individual and Spouse Monthly – $6,189 Annually – $74,268 | Payment of Medicare Part A premiums |
*Income limits above include amounts that will not be counted when deducted in the eligibility determination. If you have income that is over the amounts listed above, you can still apply because there may be more deductions that may be applied.
Additional Resources
