Financial Assistance Programs for Medicare

The Financial Assistance Programs for Medicare expenses section* and the information provided offer a limited selection of helpful resources, and not all available programs may be included. For a comprehensive view, consider consulting with a local benefits counselor or exploring additional resources.

These programs help pay for Medicare premiums, and in some cases, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. They include:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program: Covers Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program: Helps pay for Medicare Part B premiums.
• Qualified Individual (QI) Program: Provides assistance with Medicare Part B premiums.
• Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program: Helps pay Medicare Part A premiums for disabled individuals who are working.

A Full Benefit Dual Eligible (FBDE) person receives full benefits from both Medicare and Medicaid. This means they get:

• Medicare coverage which includes hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and possibly prescription drug coverage (Part D).
• Medicaid coverage which may include additional support for services that Medicare does not cover, such as long-term care or certain types of home and community-based services.

FBDE individuals often have their out-of-pocket costs for Medicare services covered by Medicaid, which helps alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses. It's important to note that FBDE itself is not a specific financial assistance program but rather a designation of eligibility for both Medicare and Medicaid.

This program helps with the costs of Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. It can assist with premiums, deductibles, and copayments based on income and resources.

These state-run programs provide assistance with prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries who meet certain income and eligibility criteria.

Some states or local programs may offer additional subsidies or assistance for Medicare Advantage plans, depending on the beneficiary’s income and other factors.

Medicaid can provide additional coverage for low-income seniors, including assistance with Medicare costs. States may have various programs to help seniors qualify for Medicaid or provide supplemental assistance. For more detailed information on Medicaid services, you can refer to the 

Medicaid | HHS Directory available on this website. 

PACE provides comprehensive medical and social services to seniors who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, offering an alternative to traditional Medicare and Medicaid services.

Various local and non-profit organizations provide financial assistance or resources to help with Medicare-related costs. Examples include Area Agencies on Aging, local senior centers, and charitable organizations.

An online tool provided by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) that helps seniors find various benefits and assistance programs they may be eligible for, including those related to Medicare.

These programs and resources are designed to help reduce the financial burden of healthcare costs for seniors. Eligibility and benefits can vary, so it’s a good idea to consult with a local benefits counselor or use online resources to explore options specific to individual circumstances.