HHZ Respiratory Review

Medicare Savings Programs and DME costs (2026)

1 min read By HHZ Editorial Next review

If you qualify for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program, Medicare providers and suppliers can't bill you for the Part B deductible or 20% coinsurance on covered CPAP, oxygen and other DME. The 2026 federal limits are $1,350 monthly income and $9,950 resources for an individual ($1,824 and $14,910 for couples), and some states go higher. SLMB and QI pay Part B premiums only. Source: Medicare.gov, checked 14 October 2026.

Sources: Medicare.gov Medicare Savings Programs and DME coverage, checked 14 October 2026.

What each program pays (2026)

ProgramPaysMonthly income limit (individual / couple)Resource limit (individual / couple)
QMBPart A premiums (if you pay one), Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments$1,350 / $1,824$9,950 / $14,910
SLMBPart B premiums only$1,616 / $2,184$9,950 / $14,910
QIPart B premiums only; reapply yearly$1,816 / $2,455$9,950 / $14,910

Income limits are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii, and Medicare.gov says you may qualify in some states even above these limits; contact your state.

What QMB means for CPAP and oxygen

Normally you pay the Part B deductible and 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for DME (Medicare.gov). With QMB, Medicare providers aren’t allowed to bill you for those amounts. You may get a bill for a small Medicaid copayment, if one applies.

Show at every order: your Medicare card and your Medicaid or QMB card. A Medicare Summary Notice also shows QMB status (how to read your MSN).

Verdict

If your income is near these limits, apply through your state: QMB can remove your CPAP and oxygen cost-sharing entirely. SLMB and QI help only with premiums.

Related: Medicaid DME coverage, Medigap and DME, DME assignment explained.

Frequently asked questions

Does the QMB program cover my CPAP or oxygen coinsurance?
Yes. Medicare.gov says QMB helps pay Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for items Medicare covers, and Medicare providers aren't allowed to bill you for them.
What are the 2026 QMB limits?
A monthly income limit of $1,350 for an individual or $1,824 for a married couple, and resource limits of $9,950 and $14,910. Limits are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii, and some states allow higher income or resources.
Do SLMB or QI help with DME costs?
Not directly. Medicare.gov says SLMB and QI help pay Part B premiums only.
How do I show a supplier I'm in QMB?
Show your Medicare card and Medicaid or QMB card each time. With Original Medicare, a Medicare Summary Notice also shows you're in the QMB program.
Can I still get a bill?
You may get a bill for a small Medicaid copayment, if one applies.

Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) for CPAP and oxygen

What a Medicare Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage (ABN) means when a CPAP, oxygen or DME supplier gives you one: the 3 options, appeal rights, unassigned suppliers and when no ABN is needed. From Medicare.gov and CMS.

Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare for DME

How Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage differ for durable medical equipment like CPAP and home oxygen: suppliers, prior authorization, costs, out-of-pocket limits, Medigap and travel, from Medicare.gov and CMS.

Medicare DME appeal: CPAP and oxygen step by step

How to appeal a denied Medicare claim for CPAP, oxygen or other durable medical equipment in Original Medicare: the 5 levels, deadlines, 2026 dollar thresholds, what to include and how long each step takes. From Medicare.gov.

Medicare DME assignment explained (2026)

What 'accepts assignment' means for Medicare CPAP, oxygen and DME suppliers: participating vs non-participating, opt-out providers, rental months, upfront costs and the questions to ask. From Medicare.gov and CMS.