Help Paying Your Medicare Part B Premium in Washington

Washington has four programs that help people with Medicare pay their Part B premium. One of them also covers deductibles and copays. And unlike most states, Washington does not count your savings.

Have savings? Still check.

Washington does not currently use an asset test for Medicare Savings Programs. Your income and the other programme requirements still matter, but a bank balance on its own should not stop you.

This is the most common reason people in this state talk themselves out of a programme they would have received. If somebody told you years ago that savings disqualify you, that advice does not describe Washington today.

Income guidelines

These are screening guidelines, not a decision. Washington determines eligibility, and how income is counted has more nuance than a single number suggests.

Washington screening guidelines

Eligibility limits change periodically. Please verify the current limits with the program before applying.

See current limits at Washington State Health Care Authority

If you are near or slightly above a guideline, apply anyway. The figure the state calculates is often lower than the one you worked out yourself.

The four categories

You do not choose which one you get. You apply once, and the state places you in the category that fits.

QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary

Pays: The Part B premium, the Part A premium if you pay one, and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays for Medicare-covered services.

The most comprehensive of the four.

SLMB — Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary

Pays: The Part B premium.

Income limits are somewhat higher than QMB.

QI — Qualifying Individual

Pays: The Part B premium.

QI has its own programme rules and should be re-checked each year.

QDWI — Qualified Disabled Working Individual

Pays: Part A premiums for certain disabled working individuals.

Narrower than the others, and often overlooked by people who returned to work.

If you have QMB, providers generally cannot bill you

This part gets missed and it costs people money. If you have QMB, providers generally may not bill you for Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance or copayments.

If you receive a bill for a Medicare-covered service after QMB approval, do not simply pay it. Tell the provider you have QMB. If the bills continue, call 1-800-MEDICARE.

How to apply

There are several routes, and all of them are free.

Online through Washington Connection
By phone with DSHS
On paper
In person at a Community Services Office

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

Do not send us your documents. American Senior Choices does not process assistance applications and does not determine eligibility. Never send anything containing your Social Security number, Medicare number, Medicaid number or bank details to us, or to anyone who contacts you first.

What happens after approval

The Part B premium stops coming out of your Social Security check, or starts being paid on your behalf. You should see the difference in your monthly deposit.

You also automatically qualify for Extra Help, which lowers your prescription costs. That is worth confirming rather than assuming — if your pharmacy prices did not change, something needs chasing.

Questions people actually ask

I have money in savings. Does that disqualify me?

Not on its own. Washington does not currently use an asset test for Medicare Savings Programs. Your income and the other programme requirements still matter, but a bank balance alone should not stop you from applying. This is the single most common reason people here talk themselves out of a programme they would have received.

Is this the same as Medicaid?

No. A Medicare Savings Program helps with Medicare costs. Apple Health, which is Washington's Medicaid, is broader coverage with its own rules — and it does generally consider resources. Some people have both. Having a Medicare Savings Program does not mean you have full Medicaid.

Will this help with my prescriptions?

Indirectly, and it matters. If a Medicare Savings Program pays your Part B premium, you automatically qualify for Extra Help, which lowers Part D prescription costs. Two programmes, one application path.

Does it cost anything to apply?

No. You apply through Washington Connection or DSHS, both free. Nobody should charge you, and you should never give your Social Security number, Medicare number or bank details to someone who contacts you first.

What if I was denied before?

Limits change, and so do circumstances. If it has been a year, or your income or household has changed, it is worth checking again rather than assuming the old answer still holds.

Official sources

You can also get free, unbiased Medicare counselling from SHIBA at 800-562-6900. They do not sell insurance. Using them and using a broker are not the same thing, and there is no reason not to do both.

Approved for a Medicare Savings Program? Your options may have changed.

Once the state is paying your Part B premium, the coverage that fits best can look different. Tim can review the plans he represents against your doctors, prescriptions, costs 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, income limits 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.