Can Medi-Cal Pay Your Medicare Part B Premium?
Yes. In California, the Medicare Savings Program may help pay your Medicare Part B premium. This is especially important if your Medicare Part B premium is being deducted from your Social Security check each month. Have Medi Cal pay Medicare Part B $185 Premium #Costs # 10126
The Medicare Savings Program is connected with Medi-Cal. Some people qualify for help with only the Medicare Part B premium, while others may also qualify for help with Medicare deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
If you are still deciding whether to enroll in Medicare Part B now or wait, see our page on:
Medicare Part B doctor visits — enroll or wait?
Main Medicare Savings Program Levels
- QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
Usually the highest level of assistance. May help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
View detailed California Medicare Savings Program chart and income limits (PDF) - SLMB — Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
Usually helps pay the Medicare Part B premium. - QI — Qualifying Individual
May also help pay the Medicare Part B premium for people with somewhat higher income.
Scroll down for more details about income limits, how to apply, and what documents you may need.
Who Should Apply?
- People with Medicare Part A and/or Part B
- People on fixed or limited income
- People whose Social Security check feels too small after the Part B deduction
- People who already have Medi-Cal
- People with a Medi-Cal Share of Cost
How Do You Apply?
In California, Medicare Savings Programs are generally handled through Medi-Cal.
You can apply:
- Online through BenefitsCal
- By phone through your county Medi-Cal office
- By mail using the MSP application
- In person at your county office
- Download the Medicare Savings Program application (MC 14A PDF)
Prescription Drug Help
Many people who qualify for a Medicare Savings Program may also qualify for Medicare Part D Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy or LIS) for prescription drugs.
Learn more here:
Medicare Part D Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy
Need Help?
These programs can be confusing because Medicare, Medi-Cal, prescription drug coverage, and Share of Cost rules can overlap.
If you would like help understanding your options, email Steve Shorr Insurance. [email protected]
Have Medi Cal pay Medicare Part B $185 Premium #Costs # 10126
Medi Cal * Part B Outpatient Premium Forgiveness
Updated 11/16/2025
Note that this is 2025 numbers
Have Medi Cal pay Medicare Part B $185 Premium #Costs # 10126
Medi Cal * Part B Outpatient Premium Forgiveness
See our Share of Cost page for more detail
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- See also the 2026 Covered CA FPL Federal Poverty Level Chart
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- DUALLY ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES UNDER MEDICARE AND MEDICAID (Medi Cal) MLN Knowledge Booklet
- CA Health Care Advocates on MSP
- Medicare.Gov MSP Medicare Savings Programs
- Save money on your Medicare costs Fact Sheet MSP Income Limits
- FACT Sheet Low Income Assistance: Medicare Savings Programs CA Health Care Advocates HI CAP
- Disability Benefits 101
- National Council on Aging MSP
- MSP Medicare Savings Plan CA Health Care Advocates
- khn.org/billions-of-dollars-in-benefits-go-unused
- Our webpage on Part D Rx Extra Help - LIS Low Income Subsidy
- Explanation of countable Income Insure Me Kevin.com
- dhcs.ca.gov/Medicare-Savings-Programs-in-California
- Prescription Drug Discount Program for Medicare Recipients Pharmacy.ca.gov *
Child & Sibling Pages
- General Enrollment Period GEP
- Medicare enrollment, if covered by Employer Plan? Retiring?
- Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty
- Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
- MSP Medicare Savings Program Medi Cal pays Part B premium
- VA compared to Medicare A, B, C, D & Medi Gap
- Why Is Medicare Billing Me for 3 or 4 Months at Once?
