Health Insurance & Medical Costs · Surprise rank #185
On Medicare? NY Can Pay Your $202.90 Monthly Premium—and Some Get Deductibles Wiped Out
The Medicare Savings Program (specifically QMB) doesn't just pay your Part B premium; it legally bars providers from billing you for Medicare deductibles and coinsurance.
Who
Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources, including some who do not qualify for full Medicaid.
What to do
Start here: Request an MSP screening through the local Medicaid office or HIICAP.
Eligibility: Income and resource limits vary by MSP category and household; QMB has the strongest cost-sharing protection.
What you get
New York Medicare Savings Programs can pay Medicare premiums; the strongest tier also pays Medicare Parts A and B deductibles and coinsurance.
Benefit: The standard 2026 Part B premium is $202.90 per month; qualifying people can have that premium paid, and some also get Medicare deductibles and coinsurance covered.
Possible value: At least $2,434.80 per year if the full standard Part B premium is paid, potentially much more with cost-sharing protection.
Good to know
Important: SLMB and QI generally pay the premium but do not erase all Medicare cost sharing.
Availability: Year-round; recheck when annual limits change.
Why people miss it: The name sounds like a minor discount, and people often fail to reapply after income limits rise.
Sources reviewed: Aug 9, 2026