This article originally appeared on Medicare.gov.
You may be able to get help paying for your health and prescription drug costs. Even if you aren’t sure you’re eligible, it’s worth learning more about these three ways to save on Medicare costs:
If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Medicaid—a joint federal and state program that:
- Helps with medical costs
- Offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, like nursing home care and personal care servicesEach state has different rules about eligibility and applying for Medicaid. Call your state Medicaid program to see if you qualify, learn how to apply, and how Medicare works with Medicaid.
Medicare has 4 savings programs that may help you pay for your Medicare premiums and other costs:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
- Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program
To find out if you’re eligible for savings through one of these programs, call your state Medicaid program.
Extra Help is a Medicare program that helps people with limited income or resources pay Medicare prescription drug costs, like premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. If you apply and qualify for Medicaid or one of the Medicare Savings Programs above, you’ll also get Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs automatically. If you don’t automatically qualify for Extra Help, you can apply online at SSA.gov.
Not eligible for any of these programs? Even if you don’t qualify to get help with Medicare costs, choosing the right health and prescription drug coverage can help you save money. Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period is a great time to make any necessary changes. Use our new Medicare Plan Finder to compare Medicare coverage options and find 2020 health and prescription drug plans that meet your unique needs.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Diverse Elders Coalition.