QMB, SLMB and QI: What These Programs Actually Do

Four sets of initials, one application. Here is what each one pays for, without the acronym soup.

These are Washington's Medicare Savings Programs. You do not pick one. You apply once, and the state puts you in whichever category your circumstances fit.

The reason it is worth understanding the difference is that one of them does much more than the others.

What each one pays for

Comparison of what QMB, SLMB, QI and QDWI pay for
Program	Part B premium	Part A premium	Deductibles & copays
QMBQualified Medicare Beneficiary	Yes	Yes, if you pay one	Yes
SLMBSpecified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary	Yes	No	No
QIQualifying Individual	Yes	No	No
QDWIQualified Disabled Working Individual	No	Yes	No

Income limits are not in this table on purpose. They change, and a number in a table looks more certain than it is. See the Medicare Savings Programs page for current guidelines and the official source.

The short version

QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary

The lowest income limits of the four, and by far the most help.

SLMB — Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary

Income limits somewhat above QMB.

QI — Qualifying Individual

Higher limits again. Has its own programme rules — re-check each year.

QDWI — Qualified Disabled Working Individual

For certain disabled people who returned to work and lost premium-free Part A.

If you have QMB, providers generally cannot bill you

This is the part that matters most and gets missed most. If you have QMB, providers generally may not bill you for Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance or copayments.

If a bill arrives for a Medicare-covered service after your QMB approval, do not just pay it. Tell the provider you have QMB. If the bills keep coming, call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Have savings? Still check.

Washington does not currently use an asset test for any of these programs. Income and the other requirements still matter, but a bank balance on its own should not stop you from applying.

Questions people actually ask

Which one should I apply for?

None of them specifically. You submit one application and Washington places you in the category that fits your circumstances. You do not need to work out which one you want beforehand, and guessing wrong does not cost you anything.

What is the practical difference between QMB and the others?

QMB is the only one that covers deductibles, coinsurance and copays on top of the Part B premium. SLMB and QI pay the Part B premium and nothing more. If you use a lot of care, that difference is substantial.

Do any of them help with prescriptions?

Not directly, but all of them lead there. If a Medicare Savings Program pays your Part B premium, you automatically qualify for Extra Help, which lowers Part D costs. One application, two results.

Does QDWI apply to me?

It is narrow and often overlooked. It is aimed at people under 65 who have a disability, went back to work, and as a result lost premium-free Part A. If that describes you, it is worth asking about specifically, because it does not come up on its own.

Do my savings count?

Washington does not currently use an asset test for these programs. Your income and the other requirements still matter, but a bank balance alone should not stop you from applying.

How to apply

One application covers all four. Free, through the state.

Apply through Washington Connection Call DSHS: 877-501-2233

Approved for one of these? Your options may have changed.

Once the state is helping with your Medicare costs, the coverage that fits best can look different. Tim can review the plans he represents against your doctors, prescriptions and hospital preferences.

Talk With Tim About Medicare: (360) 472-4261

This line is recorded, as Medicare requires for plan conversations.

Last reviewed September 2026. American Senior Choices does not determine eligibility for government assistance programs. Eligibility is determined by the appropriate government agency. Program rules and benefits can change.

Disclaimer: American Senior Choices is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 5 organizations which offer 33 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.