Florida's three income bands
| Program | Countable income (share of the federal poverty level) | What it pays |
|---|---|---|
| QMB | Up to 100% | Part A and B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance |
| SLMB | Over 100%, up to 120% | Part B premium |
| QI1 | Over 120%, up to 135% | Part B premium |
These bands come from Florida Rule 65A-1.713 and DCF's ESS Policy Manual (2040.0817–2040.0819). The monthly dollar amounts are in DCF's Appendix A-9.1, effective April 2026. The asset limit is the same for all three: $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple.
What "countable income" means in Florida
- SSI rules apply. Rule 65A-1.713(2) says DCF follows SSI income policy, which subtracts a small general income exclusion from your income and excludes part of any wages.
- Gross Social Security counts. DCF counts your benefit before the Part B premium is deducted.
- Some income doesn't count. The rule excludes interest and dividends on countable assets when deciding eligibility, and small irregular payments each quarter.
- Florida Retirement System timing. Rule 65A-1.713(4)(b) says Florida state retirement benefits, paid on the last workday of the month, count as income in the following month.
Family size can raise your limit
Florida compares your income to the limit for your household size. For these programs, DCF counts you, your spouse if you live together, and any relative by blood, marriage or adoption who lives with you and depends on you for at least half of their support (ESS 2240.0606.05). A grandchild or adult child you support can move you into a higher column of A-9.1. If your spouse isn't applying, DCF still counts their income (ESS 2240.0610).
If you're close to the limit
Apply anyway. Medicare.gov advises applying even if you don't think you qualify, and DCF checks every program you might fit on one application. If your income is above QI1, you may still qualify for Extra Help, which goes up to 150% of the poverty level. Try the savings programs screener, or read the full guide, Medicare Savings Programs in Florida.
Related questions
How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Florida?
ACCESS Florida, step by step.
What is QMB in Florida?
The lowest band, the most help.
Sources
- Florida DCF — Appendix A-9.1, Medicare Savings Programs and LIS Financial Standards, effective April 2026 (PDF)
- Florida Administrative Code — Rule 65A-1.713, SSI-Related Medicaid Income Eligibility Criteria
- Florida DCF — ESS Program Policy Manual, Chapter 2000, Coverage Groups (PDF)
- Florida DCF — ESS Program Policy Manual, Chapter 2200, Standard Filing Unit (PDF)
- Florida DCF — ESS Program Policy Manual, Chapter 1800, Income (PDF)
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs
More questions in this guide
- What documents do I need to apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Florida?
- Will Florida Medicaid take my house after I die if I get a Medicare Savings Program?
- How do I apply for Extra Help with Medicare drug costs in Florida?
- How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Florida?
- Does Florida count my house or car for Medicare Savings Programs?
- What is QMB in Florida?
Part of the guide: Medicare Savings Programs in Florida · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Why are Medicare.gov's income limits higher than Florida's chart?
Medicare.gov builds a small general income exclusion into its national figures. DCF's Appendix A-9.1 lists the poverty-level amounts and subtracts that exclusion from your income instead, so both describe the same test.
Does DCF count my Social Security before or after the Part B premium?
Before. DCF's manual (ESS 1840.0903) counts the gross benefit, and deductions for things like the Medicare premium still count as income.
Do the limits change every year?
Yes. They follow the federal poverty guidelines, which HHS updates early each year, and DCF publishes a new Appendix A-9.1. The current chart took effect in April 2026.
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