Are you concerned about your Medicare premiums, prescription costs, or other medical expenses? 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.
The first program is the Medicare Savings Program which may help pay your Medicare Part B premium. This program may also pay for Medicare Part A premium, if any, and Part A & B deductibles and co-payments. Medicare Savings is estimated to be worth about $1,979 in savings per year.
Medicare Savings Program
- 2023 Income Limit
- Single Person
$17,736/year
$1,478/monthly - Married (living together)
$23,904/year
$1,992/monthly - 2023 Total Asset Limit
- Single Person
$9,090 - Married (living together)
$13,630
Are you eligible for Medicare Savings Program?
To qualify for Medicare Savings Program, your income and 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 for example do not count as assets for this program (there are other assets not counted).
The second program is the Extra Help Program which may help pay Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $5,300 in savings per year.
Extra Help Program
- 2023 Income Limit
- Single Person
$22,110/yearly
$1,843/monthly - Married (living together)
$29,820/year
$2,485/monthly - 2023 Asset or Resource Limit
Single Person
$16,660 - Married (living together)
$33,240
Are you eligible for Extra Help?
To qualify for Extra Help, your income and assets (like money in a bank, stocks, or bonds) must be at or below the amounts shown below. Your home and vehicle are examples of assets that are not counted (there are other assets not counted).
Can you apply for these programs on your own?
You can apply for Medicare Savings Program at https://newmibridges.michigan.gov or with an application from Department of Health and Human Services. The Midland office is at 1509 Washington Street, Midland, MI 48640.
In addition you can apply for Extra Help at the Social Security Administration website www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp or by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778).
Can Senior Services help me apply for Medicare Savings Program and/or Extra Help?
Senior Services has certified staff and volunteers here to assist you. Senior Services can assist with an application for these programs. Please call 989-633-3748 to be connected with a Health Benefits Assistance Volunteer.