Supplemental Program Options
Did you know that there are programs that help with the cost of Medicare?
If you are like most people with Medicare, you are on a fixed income. Depending on what your financial situation is, there may be programs to help with your Medicare costs. A MMAP Counselor can help review the options with you and see if you might qualify.
The programs listed below are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Poverty Guidelines | ASPE (hhs.gov)
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state-run health insurance that helps people with limited income and resources. If someone has Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare pays first and Medicaid pays second. Medicaid offers additional benefits, like transportation, incontinence supplies, and dental. Medicaid also has programs for people who need Long Term Care, either in a nursing home or at home. To apply, go to their website MI Bridges (michigan.gov) or you can submit a paper application.
Medicare Savings Program
Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) are offered by the state Medicaid program. These programs help people with limited income and resources pay for Medicare premiums, and in some cases other Medicare costs. There are 4 types of Medicare Savings Programs:
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Covers Part B premium, Part A&B copayments and deductibles.
- Income limit: 100% Federal Poverty Level.
- Asset limit applies.
Specified Low-Income Beneficiary (SLMB)
- Covers Part B premium.
- Income limit: 120% Federal Poverty Level.
- Asset limit applies.
Additional Low-Income Beneficiary (ALMB)/ Qualified Individual (QI)
- Covers Part B premium.
- Income limit: 135% Federal Poverty Level.
- Asset limit applies.
Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI)
- Adults under age 65 and disabled but who recently returned to work and are no longer eligible for premium-free Part A.
- Income limit: 200% Federal Poverty Level for single persons.
- Asset limit applies.
To apply, go to their website MI Bridges (michigan.gov) or you can submit a paper application. A MMAP Counselor can help you navigate these programs, help screen for eligibility, and help you complete an application.
Extra Help
Extra Help is a federal program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for the costs with their Medicare prescription drug plans. This program lowers the costs of premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
People enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs automatically qualify for Extra Help. Everyone else must apply through the Social Security Administration. You can apply online by going to www.socialsecurity.gov or by calling them at 800-772-1213.
To qualify for Extra Help, your income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. This program also looks at resources.
You can use Extra Help to help cover the cost of prescriptions in either a stand-alone Part D plan or in a Medicare Advantage Health plan.
Drug Manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs
Drug manufacturers and other organizations sometimes offer assistance with the cost of certain medications. Eligibility varies from program to program. Once you find a program, typically your physician needs to complete a portion of the application. There are several websites that have great information. One of our favorites is www.needymeds.org.
A MMAP Counselor can help you navigate these programs, help screen for eligibility, and help you complete an application.
