Medicare is the federally administered health care program for the elderly and disabled. While it is designed to be affordable, the elderly and disabled populations cannot always keep up with some of the extraneous costs such as premiums. Luckily, there are several programs for those with low incomes that can offer some assistance.
Instructions
1. Gather documentation such as proof of your income, assets (bank accounts, deeds to any property, cars, etc.) and identification. Keep this information in one spot or envelope in case you need to reference it quickly on an application or if you need to take it with you on any program eligibility interviews.
2. Apply for Medicare Savings Programs. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are a state-administered program designed to help low-income populations pay for some of the extra costs of Medicare. Those enrolled in MSPs do not have to pay their Part B premiums. Eligibility for this program is based on how much money you bring in every month (income) and, in many states, your assets. Most states have three different levels: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualifying Individual (QI) Program. Each level has its Part B premium paid for. Contact your local Medicaid office to apply.
3. Apply for Extra Help. Extra Help is a federal program that helps Medicare recipients with their drug costs. Those who qualify for Full Extra Help pay no Part D premium, and those who qualify for Partial Extra Help pay a sliding-scale-based Part D premium. In addition to premium discounts, Extra Help can also assist you with co-insurances and deductibles. Eligibility for Extra Help is based on income. If you receive Supplemental Security Income or if you are applying for a Medicare Savings Program, you will get Extra Help automatically. To apply for Extra Help, apply directly through the Social Security Administration's website.
4. Apply for a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP). If your income is too high for Extra Help, you may qualify for an SPAP. Not every state has an SPAP and not all SPAPs work the same. Some SPAPs give Part D premium assistance, while others do not. For more information and to find out apply, contact your state health insurance assistance program.
5. Keep copies of all applications you send out, and keep the dates of when you submit anything. If you speak to any officials at Medicaid, Medicare or the Social Security Administration, write down his name, the time and date when you spoke and what the outcome of the call was. This information may come in handy if you receive an unfavorable decision that is in conflict with anything someone else has told you. In many cases, you can appeal when you aren't accepted into a program.
Tags: Extra Help, Part premium, Medicare Savings, elderly disabled, Medicare Beneficiary, Medicare Savings Programs
