Medicare Extra help
What is Extra Help?
Some people with limited resources and income also may be able to get Extra Help with the costs which include monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments related to a Medicare prescription drug plan.
You can get help from your state paying your Medicare premiums. In some cases, Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments if you meet certain conditions.
How does it work?
Once you have a plan, you’ll have to provide the insurer with documentation to prove that you are receiving Extra Help. The documents that count as proof include
A purple, yellow, or green notice of automatic qualification from Medicare
An Extra Help award notice from the SSA
Your Supplemental Security Income award letter
A copy of your Medicaid card
If you qualify for Medicaid then your Part B will be added back to your SS check.
Do I Qualify?
What items are included in the Medicare Savings Program resource limits?
Countable resources include:
Money in a checking or savings account
Your Monthly Income
Stocks Bonds
They do not count your Home, Car, Burial plot, up to $1,500 for burial expenses if you have put that money aside, Furniture, Other Household Items, and personal items.
The Income limits change every year so if you don't qualify this year, you may qualify next year.
How do I sign up?
You can apply online for Medicare Extra Help through the Social Security Administration site. You can also apply in person at your local Social Security office or call 1-800-722-1213 to apply over the phone. You can also call to request a physical application by mail.
Our office can also help you with the application at no cost to you.
Other Extra Help Resources
Depending on your situation there could be other resources to help you too. We also provide these services free of charge.