Find Medicare help and useful resources

Making the Medicare choice that’s right for you may be a challenge. Choosing a plan when money’s tight can even be a little scary. We’re here to help you learn about some options.

There are programs available that can help pay for certain Medicare plan costs, like premiums, deductibles and copayments. A quick visit to the Social Security Administration website can tell you if you're eligible, and you can even apply online.

You qualify to receive Extra Help with Medicare costs automatically if you have Medicare and you also have:

• Medicaid
• Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
• Medicare Savings Programs
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits

Depending on your income, resources and other factors, you may be eligible for certain federal, state and local programs that help with Medicare beneficiaries’ medical costs. These programs include:

Help with prescription drug costs*

The federal government helps millions of Medicare beneficiaries pay their prescription drug plan costs. Those who qualify for Extra Help may enjoy $0 or reduced drug coverage premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs. Some people qualify for prescription drug help automatically, while others need to apply.*

Medicaid

This joint state and federal program helps people with limited income and resources pay for healthcare. For information about Medicaid, contact your state medical assistance office. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1 800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (TTY users call 1 866 653-4261).

Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

This program offers a combination of medical, social and long-term-care services. Eligibility requirements vary from state to state, and not every state chooses to offer it. For details, contact your state medical assistance office.

Medicare Savings Programs

Under these programs, your state Medicaid program may help you pay your Medicare Part A or Part B premium and, in some cases, your deductibles and copays. Many people receive help through Medicare Savings Programs, which have different names in different states.

For more information, call your state medical assistance office.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits

This is help for people who are disabled, blind, or over age 65 and have limited financial resources. SSI is not the same as Social Security benefits.

To learn more about SSI help, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or contact your local Social Security office.

You can also use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool on the Social Security website to find out if you're eligible.

Disclaimer:
*Applying for Extra Help is not the same as joining a prescription drug plan. Whether you qualify for Extra Help or not, to get prescription drug coverage you have to choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage or a stand-alone prescription drug plan.