Each state can set different eligibility requirements for the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), within limits set by federal law. This means that states can have higher income and asset limits, and can have more generous rules for how certain types of income and assets are accounted for. It is important to know that many states require you to apply for any money you might be eligible for, including Social Security retirement benefits, in order to qualify for an MSP.
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If you live in New York, the Medicare Rights Center can help you enroll in various Medicare cost-savings programs. Please answer a few questions to see if we can connect you with a trained benefits enrollment counselor.
Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Each state offers a SHIP, partly funded by the federal government, to give you free counseling and assistance. A SHIP counselor may be available by phone or in person.
Visit www.shiptacenter.org to find your local SHIP office.
Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Based on the information you provided, you do not appear to be eligible for Medicare cost-saving programs.
[glossary_exclude]Each state offers a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), partly funded by the federal government, to give you free counseling and assistance. A SHIP counselor may be available by phone or in person.[/glossary_exclude]
Visit www.shiptacenter.org to find your local SHIP office.
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Assets are resources such as savings and checking accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement accounts, and real estate. In any state with an asset limit, certain resources are never counted in determining eligibility for MSPs. These include:
- Your primary house
- One car
- Household goods and wedding/engagement rings
- Burial spaces
- Burial funds up to $1,500 per person
- Life insurance with a cash value of less than $1,500
Some states may exclude other types of assets as well.
MSP income and asset requirements in most states are close to the federal limits. For 2025, these are listed in the Medicare Savings Program financial eligibility guidelines flier.
Remember that some states have higher or no MSP asset limits*. Call your local Medicaid office or State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for more information about MSPs in your state.
* Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and the District of Columbia do not have asset limits for MSPs (as of January 2025).