If you have a lower income and fewer assets, you may qualify for help. Less than half of those who would qualify actually sign up. So don’t hesitate to apply.
Here’s how to apply.
Contact your local Social Security Administration office or your state’s Medical Assistance or Medicaid office.
Who’s eligible?
It depends on your income. Your income includes money you get from retirement benefits or other money that you report for tax purposes. The government also considers your assets; for example, property other than your house. States set their own income eligibility levels, but the average is close to $16,245 a year for an individual or $21,855 for a couple.
Want to learn more?
Contact your local Social Security Administration office or the state Medical Assistance or Medicaid office.
Where to get more answers.
Medicare Helpline
For questions about Medicare and detailed information about plans and policies in your area, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or go to: www.medicare.gov.
Medicare & You 2010.
The official Medicare handbook for Medicare programs is updated each year. You can download a copy at the Medicare website or call the Medicare Helpline to request a copy. For online tools to find and compare drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap policies, go to: www.medicare.gov.
Social Security Administration.
For help with questions about eligibility for and enrolling in Medicare or Social Security retirement benefits and disability benefits, and for questions about your eligibility for help with the cost of Medicare coverage, call: 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778.
Administration on Aging.
For help in finding local, state, and community based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers in your area, call 1-800-677-1116. Or go to: www.eldercare.gov.
Your current health plan
Your health plan’s customer service center can answer any questions you may have about your current coverage; call the number on your identification card.
AARP
For information about Medicare and other programs for seniors, go to: www.aarp.org. The AARP website offers educational materials about Medicare in its health section. You can also order publications online.
Your state’s hospice organizations
For information about hospice care programs in your area, call your state’s hospice care organization. Call the Medicare Helpline to get the number.
Here’s how to apply.
Contact your local Social Security Administration office or your state’s Medical Assistance or Medicaid office.
- Medicaid helps pay costs not covered by Medicare. It may also include some added benefits, including prescription drugs, eye care or long-term care that Medicare doesn’t cover.
- Medicare Savings Program helps you pay your Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance.
- Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) combines medical, social and long-term care services for frail, elderly people who live and get their services in the community, not in a nursing home. This program isn’t available in all states.
- Prescription drug premium assistance programs help pay some or all of a person’s Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays or coinsurance.
- Other programs may be available in your state.
Who’s eligible?
It depends on your income. Your income includes money you get from retirement benefits or other money that you report for tax purposes. The government also considers your assets; for example, property other than your house. States set their own income eligibility levels, but the average is close to $16,245 a year for an individual or $21,855 for a couple.
Want to learn more?
Contact your local Social Security Administration office or the state Medical Assistance or Medicaid office.
Where to get more answers.
Medicare Helpline
For questions about Medicare and detailed information about plans and policies in your area, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or go to: www.medicare.gov.
Medicare & You 2010.
The official Medicare handbook for Medicare programs is updated each year. You can download a copy at the Medicare website or call the Medicare Helpline to request a copy. For online tools to find and compare drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap policies, go to: www.medicare.gov.
Social Security Administration.
For help with questions about eligibility for and enrolling in Medicare or Social Security retirement benefits and disability benefits, and for questions about your eligibility for help with the cost of Medicare coverage, call: 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778.
Administration on Aging.
For help in finding local, state, and community based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers in your area, call 1-800-677-1116. Or go to: www.eldercare.gov.
Your current health plan
Your health plan’s customer service center can answer any questions you may have about your current coverage; call the number on your identification card.
AARP
For information about Medicare and other programs for seniors, go to: www.aarp.org. The AARP website offers educational materials about Medicare in its health section. You can also order publications online.
Your state’s hospice organizations
For information about hospice care programs in your area, call your state’s hospice care organization. Call the Medicare Helpline to get the number.