Even though the Medicare program is funded by Medicare taxes that American employees have to pay, the only coverage of Medicare that is completely free is Medicare Part A. If you want to receive any other coverage through Medicare, you must pay monthly premiums. However, not many senior citizens have enough income to spend on premiums. For this reason, the state also has programs that help people in need to pay for their Medicare costs.
Medicare Extra Help Identification
Medicare Extra Help is a program that helps you pay for your Medicare prescription drug costs. In the case of prescription drug plans, it helps you with the costs of the prescription drugs that you cannot afford on your own and that are not included in your plan. You might also qualify for help to pay for your Part B premiums from your state -- and Part A when it is not free. These state programs can also help you with Part A and Part B deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. These programs are usually called Medicare Saving Programs.
Eligibility for Medicare Extra Help
The Medicare Extra Help program is also called low-income subsidy, or LIS. To qualify to receive Medicare Extra Help, you must meet income requirements. According to the handbook "Medicare and You," as of 2011, your income must be lower than $16,245 if you are single, and the value of your resources cannot be higher than $12,510. If you are married, your income has to be lower than $21,855, and the value of your resources can be no higher than $25,010. If you have full Medicaid coverage, if you receive help from your state to pay your Part B premiums or if you receive SSI benefits, you are automatically eligible for Extra Help.
Eligibiity for Medicare Savings Program
The Medicare Savings Program helps you with your Medicare premiums and other costs. This help is provided by your state. To qualify to receive help from the Medicare Savings Program you are required to be enrolled in Part A. As of 2011, your monthly wage must be lower than $1,239 and your resources lower than $6,600 if you are single. If you are married, your income cannot be higher than $1,660 and the value of your resources cannot exceed $9,910.
Application
If you are not automatically eligible to receive Medicare Extra Help, you can apply online through the Social Security website. You can also call the Social Security office in your state or visit your state Medicaid office. To apply for the Medicare Savings Program, you can also visit your state Medicaid office and fill out an application for help. If you wish, Social Security can send your information to your state to start an application.
Tags: Extra Help, Medicare Extra, Medicare Extra Help, your state, lower than
