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Medicare is a the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, certain younger people plagued by a disability, and those with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD is permanent kidney failure that requires dialysis or a transplant). While Medicare helps qualified people with some of their medical expenses, those enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) will still have to pay coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles for covered services. Part B also comes with a premium amount of $134 a month for the year 2017. Some essential health services and products are not covered at all. All of this could be frightening for someone on a fixed income. We are here to let you know that there are some options that may be available to Medicare beneficiaries with low incomes. Many may be eligible to receive additional help for important doctors, prescriptions and needed services.
Where can Medicare beneficiaries with low incomes find Extra Help?
Medicare Savings Program
The first place to look for extra help may just be with your state Medicare Savings Program. In some cases these programs may help pay Medicare premiums as well as help covering deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. For example there are four programs available to assist those who still have income from working. Three of these programs- QMB, QI, and SLMB- may also help pay Part C prescription drug plan premiums. Typically the qualifications for these programs depends upon both income and available resources. While available resources include cash, savings and stocks, they do not include home, vehicle, burial plot, small amount of cash set aside for burial expenses, furniture and other personal items.
Medicaid
Medicaid helps more than 4.6 million low income seniors, nearly all of whom are also enrolled in Medicare. Medicaid also provides coverage to 3.7 million people with disabilities who are enrolled in Medicare. In total there is roughly 8.3 million people considered to be “dual eligible”, meaning they are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. While eligibility for Medicare is usually based on working enough quarters and having a 65th birthday, eligibility for Medicaid is based on income and family assets. Qualification rules differ by state.
Free and Low Cost Clinics
Many Eligibles also worry about things that are not covered by Medicare. Some examples of these are routine trips to the dentist and eye doctor. PPARX.org is the official website of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, and this organization has a low-cost clinic finder online. All you need to do is enter your home zip code to use the system.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans to control medical costs: Medicare Advantage plans that is offered from private insurance companies who provide benefits that are as good as or better than original Medicare. Some of these plans have modest additional premiums, some have no additional monthly premium, and some even refund part of the Part B premium that most recipients must pay. While these plans are not specifically for Eligibles or disabled people with low incomes, they might help control access and provide simple access to good doctors, hospitals, and other health providers.
