|
You may be able to get help paying for your Medicare coverage.
Some states have programs that can help you pay for premiums,
deductibles, and co-pays. There are 4 Medicare Savings Programs:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
- Qualifying Individual (QI)
- Qualified Disabled & Working Individuals (QDWI)
If you qualify for one of the first 3 programs you will also
be able to get help paying for your Part D drug plan. Call your state
Medicaid office to find out what the monthly income limits are, and to
see if you qualify. You can get the phone number by calling
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
The low-income subsidy
The low-income subsidy (LIS) can be a source of extra help to
pay for your prescription drug costs if you have a limited income. Call
Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for form SSA-1020 to find out
if you qualify for this help.
- If you qualify for LIS, and you do NOT enroll in a Part
D plan, Medicare will automatically enroll you in a plan. You will be
sent a letter telling you about the plan you are enrolled in and when
coverage begins.
- If Medicare enrolls you in a plan, you may switch Part D
plans at least once in the year you get the subsidy and then during
open enrollment (November 15 to December 31).
- If you get a letter from Medicare saying you no longer
automatically qualify for extra help, you should reapply by calling
Social Security.
Last Medical Review: 10/23/2008
Last Revised: 10/23/2008
|
