Reviewed by Scott Lewis, licensed insurance agent · Last reviewed September 27, 2026
Oregon Medicare Savings Programs may help eligible Medicare beneficiaries pay the Part B premium and, for some people, Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Extra Help, also called the Low-Income Subsidy or LIS, may reduce qualifying Part D prescription costs.
2026 monthly income screening figures
| Program | Single | Couple | Potential help |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | $1,350 | $1,824 | Part A and Part B premiums, Medicare cost sharing, and Extra Help benefits |
| SLMB | $1,616 | $2,184 | Part B premium and Extra Help benefits |
| QI / SMF | $1,816 | $2,455 | Part B premium and Extra Help benefits |
| Extra Help only | $2,015 | $2,725 | Help with qualifying Part D premiums, deductible, and drug costs |
Oregon SHIBA's MSP screening figures include the standard $20 general income disregard. QMB, SLMB, and QI/SMF figures shown here are effective March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027. The Extra Help-only figures shown are for calendar year 2026.
Oregon's MSP asset rule
Oregon's QMB, SLMB, and QI/SMF Medicare Savings Programs do not use an asset test. Extra Help-only eligibility does have a federal resource limit: Oregon SHIBA lists $18,090 for one person and $36,100 for a couple for 2026. Certain items, including a primary home and one vehicle, may be treated differently under program rules.
What each abbreviation means
QMB
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary. This can pay Part A and Part B premiums plus Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Providers generally may not bill a QMB member for covered Medicare cost sharing.
SLMB
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary. This generally pays the Medicare Part B premium.
QI / SMF
Qualifying Individual, called the State Medicaid-Funded program in Oregon materials. This generally pays the Part B premium, subject to program rules and funding.
Extra Help / LIS
Federal help with Medicare Part D costs. Some people qualify automatically through Medicaid or an MSP; others apply through Social Security.
Where Oregon residents can apply
- Apply for an Oregon Medicare Savings Program through the Oregon Department of Human Services, a local ODHS office, or the ONE online benefits system.
- Call Oregon's Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 855-673-2372 for local aging and disability-services help.
- Apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration when you are not already deemed eligible through Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program.
- Contact Oregon SHIBA for free, unbiased Medicare counseling.
Why it is worth checking
Even if your income appears close to a published figure, deductions and program-specific rules can affect the outcome. Do not assume you are ineligible from a quick comparison. Apply through the official agency or ask SHIBA to help you understand the process.
If you qualify for Extra Help, compare the prescription coverage that works with your medications and pharmacies. Start with our Medicare Part D guide and confirmed 2027 Part D changes.
Sources and verification
We use primary sources and link to the current page so you can verify details before making a coverage decision.
- 2026 Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help limits — Oregon SHIBA
- Medicare Savings Programs — Oregon Department of Human Services
- Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance — Oregon Department of Human Services
- Apply for Part D Extra Help — Social Security Administration