By AMANDA BIGUS for the Senior LinkAge Line and Trellis
Many older Minnesotans qualify for federal or state programs to help pay for their Medicare costs, but many who are eligible do not apply for the benefits. Are you one of these people?
Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
Barbara Brown of Minneapolis received a check from the Social Security Administration because Hennepin County paid her Medicare payment. All she did was fill out an application.
You too may be eligible for help paying your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) premiums through the Medicare Savings Program. Most people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (called Medical Assistance in Minnesota) will qualify for the program, and because they do, they may not have to pay a Medicare premium. And, the Medicare Savings Program might also pay your deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, so it’s worth your time to apply.
In many cases, to qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you must have income and resources below a certain limit. These limits go up each year.
Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)
You can apply for a Low-Income Subsidy through the Social Security Administration. Also known as “Extra Help,” it can lower the cost of your Medicare prescription drug co-insurance premiums and annual deductible. It can also lead to sizable savings on your prescription drugs. You must be enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug plan to get the extra help.
Whether or not you think you will qualify for these benefits, it’s worth your time to apply. It will only take about two weeks to determine if you’re eligible to have your premiums, deductibles and coinsurance covered. Review the qualifications listed on the link to the Social Security Administration website provided below and complete the easy application process to determine your eligibility.
If you have Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) OR Medicare and Medical Assistance, you are automatically eligible for a full Low-Income Subsidy. There is no need to go through the application process. Medical Assistance is available for employed people with disabilities and people on a Medicare Savings Program or Supplemental Security Income.
Learn more
To learn more about the Medicare Savings Program, go to: www.medicare.gov/medicare-savings-programs
To learn more about the Low-Income Subsidy, go to: secure.ssa.gov/i1020/start
Attend a free Senior Linkage Line® presentation to learn more about who qualifies for these programs, and how to apply for benefits. At the end of our presentation, we will ask you to spread the word to your friends and family members who may also be eligible! The specialists at the Senior Linkage Line can also answer your questions on both programs. Call them at 800-333-2433, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are here to simplify things and provide you with factual, unbiased information and support.
Amanda Bigus is a community outreach specialist and Medicare 101 presenter with the Senior Linkage Line, a free service of the Minnesota Board on Aging, delivered by Trellis and other Minnesota Area Agencies on Aging.
