Imagine a world where drug costs don't keep you up at night. That's the promise of Medicare Extra Help—a program that brings relief and peace of mind to people struggling with high healthcare expenses.
Medicare Extra Help is a program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for their Medicare prescription drug costs. It covers things like monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-pays for medications. If you qualify, you could save thousands of dollars each year.
If you qualify for Extra Help, it lowers or even eliminates your premiums, deductibles, and co-pays for Medicare Part D. So, Extra Help works alongside Medicare Part D to make your prescription drug costs more affordable.
The program aids low-income people who are having trouble affording today's very high prescription drug prices. It provides benefits for prescription drugs so eligible patients get their prescriptions with less financial stress.
Overall, this program enhances drug coverage for those who need it most, highlighting the importance of affordable healthcare for all.
Medicare Extra Help benefits are based on your income, resources, and living situation. Depending on your financial situation, you may qualify for full or partial assistance.
Full Extra Help covers most prescription drug costs, while partial Extra Help reduces premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.
Eligibility and benefits are calculated by assessing your income and resources; changes in your circumstances can adjust the level of help you receive.
If you qualify for Extra Help and think you're paying the wrong amount, contact your drug plan or Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Be ready with proof that you are enrolled in the Extra Help program.
You may be able to get money back if you:
Some people find themselves automatically welcomed into the Extra Help program.
You'll get Extra Help automatically if you have:
In these instances, you'll receive a letter in the mail about your Extra Help explaining how much you'll pay and your new Medicare drug plan if you don't have one already.
If you don't get Extra Help automatically, you can still apply at https://secure.ssa.gov/i1020/start.
In most cases, to qualify for Extra Help, you must have income and resources below a specific limit. These limits may go up each year.
Resources include savings, investments, and real estate (excluding your primary residence). These limits may vary slightly for residents of Alaska and Hawaii.
You can simultaneously apply for Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). These state programs assist with additional Medicare expenses. When you apply for Extra Help, Social Security will automatically forward your information to your state to begin the MSP application process, unless you indicate otherwise on the Extra Help application.
Even if you don't qualify for Extra Help right now, you can reapply any time if your income and resources change.
Applying for Extra Help is more than just filling out paperwork. It's about taking control of your healthcare journey. You'll need information like your bank statements, tax returns, and retirement account information.
Gather these documents for you and your spouse:
You can apply for the Extra Help Program at https://secure.ssa.gov/i1020/start. You can also contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free application support.
Verification determines eligibility. Benefits may change based on shifts in prescription drug coverage or yearly income.
Those with incomes below a certain level should know the monthly income limit and the concept of income disregard, which excludes some income from eligibility calculations. Regularly checking eligibility requirements will help your loved one keep up to date on their benefits.
Beyond Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs support those with a limited income. These programs help pay Medicare premiums and sometimes cover Part A and Part B deductibles and copayments.
It's an extra layer of financial protection, with different programs tailored to specific needs:
Each program has specific income and resource limits designed to catch those who traditional support systems might overlook.
Navigating healthcare costs can be overwhelming, but help is available. Medicare Extra Help can make a big difference for those who qualify. If you or a loved one might benefit, take the first step today.
