Short answer: For 2026 the federal monthly income limits are $1,350 for QMB, $1,616 for SLMB and $1,816 for QI for an individual ($1,824, $2,184 and $2,455 for a married couple). The resource limit for all three is $9,950 individual and $14,910 couple.
Medicare.gov’s 2026 limits:
- QMB: $1,350 per month individual, $1,824 couple
- SLMB: $1,616 per month individual, $2,184 couple
- QI: $1,816 per month individual, $2,455 couple
- Resources (all three): $9,950 individual, $14,910 couple
By statute, QMB covers incomes up to the poverty line, SLMB from there to under 120% of poverty, and QI from 120% to under 135%. States may set more generous rules, so the federal figures are a floor, not a ceiling.
Texas detail: the HHSC handbook states its MSP income limits without the $20 general income disregard, so a Texas eligibility worker takes $20 off the person’s income before comparing. Texas applies a resource test, excluding the homestead, a car, burial spaces, life insurance with a face value of $1,500 or less, and up to $1,500 in separately identified burial funds. When a person is near any line, apply: Medicare.gov says to apply even if you don’t think you qualify.