North Carolina's MQB income limits
| NC program | Federal name | Countable income, share of the poverty level | What it pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| MQB-Q | QMB | Up to 100% | Part A and B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance |
| MQB-B | SLMB | Over 100%, up to 120% | Part B premium |
| MQB-E | QI | Over 120%, up to 135% | Part B premium |
North Carolina uses the federal minimum levels and hasn't raised them. The exact monthly dollar amounts for one to eight people are on NC Medicaid's chart MA-2252. The Part B premium MQB pays is $202.90 a month in 2026.
"Countable" income in North Carolina
The county Department of Social Services (DSS) compares your countable income, not your gross income, to the chart. NC Medicaid's manual MA-2260 lays out the steps:
- Start with gross income, including Social Security before the Part B premium is withheld, pensions and other payments.
- Subtract a small general income exclusion.
- For wages, subtract a work-expense exclusion, then count only half of what's left.
Because of a court ruling, North Carolina also uses family size for MQB: you, your spouse and dependent children under 18 living with you. A couple with a child at home is compared to the three-person column.
Why websites show different numbers
You may see slightly higher monthly limits on Medicare.gov or other sites. Medicare.gov's national chart adds the general income exclusion into the limit; NC Medicaid's chart lists the poverty level itself and takes the exclusion out of your income. They describe the same test. When numbers disagree, NC Medicaid's chart and your county DSS decide.
Over the limit? Extra Help with drug costs goes up to 150% of the poverty level, with a higher resource limit. Try the savings programs screener for an estimate of both.
You can apply any time of year through ePASS or your county DSS. For the full picture, read Medicare Savings Programs in North Carolina.
Related questions
What is MQB in North Carolina Medicaid?
The NC names explained.
What assets count for Medicare Savings Programs in North Carolina?
The resource test.
How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in North Carolina?
ePASS or your county DSS.
Sources
- NC Medicaid — MA-2252, Non-MAGI Medicaid Income/Reserve Limits, effective April 1, 2026 (PDF)
- NC Medicaid — MA-2260, Financial Eligibility Regulations (income exclusions, family size) (PDF)
- NC Medicaid — MA-2130, Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries - Q (April updates, COLA rule) (PDF)
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Savings Programs
More questions in this guide
- Can a doctor bill me if I have QMB in North Carolina?
- How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in North Carolina?
- How do I apply for Extra Help in North Carolina?
- QMB vs. SLMB vs. QI in North Carolina
- What assets count for Medicare Savings Programs in North Carolina?
- What is MQB in North Carolina Medicaid?
Part of the guide: Medicare Savings Programs in North Carolina · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Why are NC Medicaid's limits lower than Medicare.gov's?
Medicare.gov's national chart builds a small general income exclusion into its figures. NC Medicaid's chart MA-2252 shows the poverty-level amounts themselves and subtracts that exclusion from your income instead, so the test is the same.
When do North Carolina's MQB income limits change?
Each April 1, when NC Medicaid applies the new federal poverty guidelines. For MQB-Q, the county ignores the January Social Security raise in January through March.
Is there also an asset limit?
Yes. Countable resources must be no more than $9,950 for one person or $14,910 for a couple. Your home and one vehicle used for transportation don't count.
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