Oklahoma's 2026 limits
These are the monthly countable income and resource standards in OKDHS Appendix C-1, Schedules VI, VII and VII.A, dated July 1, 2026:
| Program | Income, one person | Income, couple | Resources, one person / couple |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB Plus (QMBP), up to 100% of poverty plus the disregard | $1,350 | $1,824 | $9,950 / $14,910 |
| SLMB, up to 120% of poverty plus the disregard | $1,616 | $2,184 | $9,950 / $14,910 |
| QI-1, up to 135% of poverty plus the disregard | $1,816 | $2,455 | $9,950 / $14,910 |
QDWI, for working people under 65 with a disability who must now pay a Part A premium because they went back to work, has its own standards in Schedule V: a much higher income limit (200% of poverty) but a lower resource limit. Appendix C-1 says the income amounts include the SSI monthly income disregard.
How OKDHS counts income
- Gross Social Security. Count your benefit before the Part B premium comes out.
- A monthly disregard. OHCA's QMB Plus rule (OAC 317:35-7-40) subtracts a general income disregard from earned or unearned income, but not both.
- Work earnings. OKDHS says more than half of your before-tax pay from a job is not counted.
- Couples. If both spouses have Medicare, their combined income is compared with the couple limit.
What counts as a resource
OKDHS counts checking and savings accounts, CDs, the cash value of life insurance, stocks, bonds and real estate other than your home. It generally does not count your home, household furnishings, your car or a prepaid funeral trust up to a set limit. See the Medicare Savings Programs guide for more on assets.
Tip: Third-party tables of Oklahoma limits often disagree. The official numbers are in OKDHS Appendix C-1; you can also estimate with our savings programs calculator.
Next steps
Read how to apply in Oklahoma, what QMB covers and how Extra Help works, since Extra Help has higher limits. For help choosing Medicare coverage from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Sources
- OKDHS — Appendix C-1, Maximum Income, Resource, and Payment Standards (7/1/2026), Schedules V, VI, VII, VII.A
- Oklahoma Human Services — Help With Medicare Part A and B Premiums
- OHCA — OAC 317:35-7-40, Eligibility as Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Plus
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs (2026 limits)
More questions in this guide
- Will Oklahoma take my house if I get help paying my Medicare premiums?
- How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Oklahoma?
- What is Extra Help for Medicare drug costs and how do I apply?
- What is QMB in Oklahoma?
Part of the guide: Medicare Savings Programs in Oklahoma · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Are Oklahoma's limits the same as Medicare.gov's?
Yes, for 2026. The QMB Plus, SLMB and QI-1 amounts in OKDHS Appendix C-1 are the same as the 2026 limits on Medicare.gov. If another website shows different Oklahoma numbers, go by Appendix C-1.
Do the limits change every year?
Yes. They follow the federal poverty guidelines, which HHS updates each January, so OKDHS revises Appendix C-1 during the year. The 2027 limits are not out yet.
What if I'm a little over the limit?
Apply anyway. OKDHS doesn't count every dollar: it subtracts a monthly income disregard and part of any earnings. Medicare.gov says to apply even if you don't think you qualify.
Is my Social Security check counted before or after the Part B premium?
Before. OKDHS says that if your Part B premium is taken out of your Social Security check, add it back when you compare your income with the limits.
Medicare in your Oklahoma county
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