Medicare Extra Help and Savings Programs in Missouri and Kansas

If money's tight, there are real programs that can lower what you pay for Medicare. Two big ones:

• Extra Help, which lowers your Part D drug costs.
• Medicare Savings Programs, run by your state, which can pay your Part B premium and sometimes more.

A lot of folks who might qualify never apply. Usually it's because they assume they make too much, or they think it's complicated. Let's fix both.

The mental model: two different helpers

Here's the simple way to keep them straight.

Extra Help is about drugs. It's a federal program through Social Security. It helps with Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays.

Medicare Savings Programs are about your Medicare bill. They're run by your state, through MO HealthNet in Missouri or KanCare in Kansas. They can pay your Part B premium, and at the lowest income level, much of your Medicare cost-sharing too.

Here's the bonus: if you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you also get Extra Help.

The analogy: coupons at the register

Think of these like store coupons.

Extra Help is the coupon for the pharmacy counter. Medicare Savings Programs are the coupon for your monthly Medicare bill.

You don't get the discount unless you hand over the coupon. Applying is handing over the coupon.

Extra Help: who may qualify in 2026

Medicare lists these 2026 limits for Extra Help:

| Your situation | Yearly income limit | Resource limit | | --- | --- | --- | | Individual | $23,940 | $18,090 | | Married couple | $32,460 | $36,100 |

These limits can go up each year.

What counts as resources: things like bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and real estate other than your home.

What doesn't count: your home, your car, personal belongings, life insurance policies, and burial expenses, per Social Security's Extra Help guide.

Even if you're a little over, apply anyway. Social Security makes the call, not a chart on the internet.

How to apply: Online through Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. You can apply any time, before or after you join a Part D plan.

A newer perk: If you get Extra Help, you can change your drug coverage once a calendar month. The change starts the first of the next month. Most people can only change at certain times of year.

Medicare Savings Programs: the four types

Medicare lists four programs. Here's what each helps pay for, with the federal 2026 monthly income limits for one person:

1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Part A premiums (if you owe one), Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Income up to $1,350 a month.
2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Part B premiums. Income up to $1,616 a month.
3. Qualifying Individual (QI): Part B premiums. Income up to $1,816 a month. You must reapply each year, and it's first-come, first-served.
4. Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI): Part A premiums for certain people under 65 who lost premium-free Part A when they went back to work.

The federal resource limit for QMB, SLMB, and QI in 2026 is $9,950 for one person or $14,910 for a married couple. Medicare notes your state may use higher limits or not count certain income.

Two big perks:

• If you're in QMB, Medicare providers aren't allowed to bill you for Medicare-covered services. You may still owe a small Medicaid copay.
• If you're in a Medicare Savings Program, Medicare says you generally won't pay a Part B late penalty.

Applying in Missouri: MO HealthNet

In Missouri, these programs go through the Department of Social Services. Missouri's versions are QMB and two levels of SLMB.

• Apply online with the Application for Medicare Savings Program on the DSS website.
• Apply by phone at 855-373-9994.
• Or print the form and mail or upload it.

If you're already on MO HealthNet, Missouri may enroll you in a Medicare Savings Program automatically when you qualify.

Free, unbiased help is also available from Missouri SHIP at 1-800-390-3330. More on our Missouri Medicare page.

Applying in Kansas: KanCare

In Kansas, Medicare Savings Programs go through KanCare. Kansas calls its levels QMB, LMB, and ELMB.

• Apply online through KanCare.
• Call or visit your local DCF Service Center. Call 1-888-369-4777 to find the nearest one.

Kansans can also get free counseling from SHICK at 1-800-860-5260. See our Kansas Medicare page for more.

What to gather before you apply

• Your Medicare card
• Proof of income (Social Security letter, pension statements)
• Recent bank statements
• Info on any stocks, bonds, or life insurance

Things I'd do (and never do)

1. I'd apply even if I thought I was close to the line. Let the agency decide.
2. I'd start with the state program. Qualifying for an MSP also gets you Extra Help.
3. I'd use the monthly change option if I'm on Extra Help and my drug plan isn't working.
4. I'd never pay someone to apply for me. These applications are free.
5. I'd never let a QMB provider bill me for Medicare-covered care without asking questions.

Want help picking a plan once you qualify?

The state handles your application. Once you're approved, we can help you pick a drug plan or Medicare plan that works with your new benefits.

Call (417) 633-7200, or visit any of our offices in Springfield, Joplin, Cape Girardeau, Wildwood, Belton, or Topeka.

Hand over the coupon. That's what it's there for.

— Matt

Frequently asked questions

What is Medicare Extra Help?

It's a federal program that helps pay Part D drug costs, like premiums, deductibles, and copays. You apply through Social Security.

What are the Extra Help income limits for 2026?

Medicare lists $23,940 a year for an individual and $32,460 for a married couple, with resource limits of $18,090 and $36,100. Limits can change each year.

How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Missouri?

Apply through the Missouri Department of Social Services online, by phone at 855-373-9994, or with a paper application. Missouri SHIP can help for free.

How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Kansas?

Apply through KanCare online, or contact your local DCF Service Center at 1-888-369-4777. SHICK offers free counseling.

If I get a Medicare Savings Program, do I also get Extra Help?

Yes. Medicare says people who qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI also get Extra Help with drug costs.