If you cannot afford Medicare premiums or other medical costs, you may be able to get help. There are two programs that may be able to assist you if you meet income and asset guidelines.
Medicare Savings Program may help pay Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Extra Help program may help pay Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) deductibles, premiums, and copayments.
Are you eligible for Medicare Savings Program?
Senior Services’ Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) certified counselors
To qualify for Medicare Savings Program, your monthly income and total assets (like money in a bank, stocks, or bonds) must be at or below the amounts shown below. Your house, one car and up to $1,500 per person in burial expenses do not count as assets for this program.
Medicare Savings Program Guidelines:
2021 Monthly Income Limit
Single Person: $1,469
Married (living together): $1,980
2021 Total Asset Limit
Single Person: $7,970
Married (living together): $11,960
Are you eligible for Extra Help?
To qualify for Extra Help, your yearly income and total assets (like money in a bank, stocks, or bonds) must be at or below the amounts shown below.
Extra Help Program Guidelines:
2021 Monthly Income Limit
Single Person: $1,610
Married (living together): $2,178
2021 Total Asset Limit
Single Person: $14,790
Married (living together): $29,520
Can you apply for these programs on your own?
You can apply on your own for Medicare Savings Program at www.newmibridges.michigan.gov or with an application from the Department of Health and Human Services. The Midland office is at 1509 Washington Street Suite A Midland MI 48641.
In addition, you can apply on your own for Extra Help at the Social Security Administration website www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Can Senior Services help me apply for Medicare Savings Program and/or Extra Help?
Senior Services has Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) certified counselors here to assist you. A counselor can assist with an application for these programs. Please call our hotline at 989-633-3748 to be connected with an MMAP counselor.
