If you think you will have trouble paying your Medicare premiums or if you’re afraid you can’t afford the prescriptions you need after you turn 65, there are a number of programs out there that could help.

Qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program depends on your income and resources. So what counts as an resource?

*If you have more than one vehicle, the others may be counted as an asset.

**Up to $1,500 per person

If you meet the requirements, there are 4 state programs that can help you pay for your Medicare premiums. You may even qualify for help paying for your Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. The 4 Medicare Savings Programs are:

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB)

Helps people with limited income pay for Medicare Part A premiums, Medicare Part B premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

Requirements:

• Resources cannot exceed $9,950 for individuals or $14,910 for married couples.
• Income cannot exceed $1,350/month for individuals or a combined monthly income of $1,824/month for married couples.
  
  

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB)

Helps pay for Medicare Part B premiums only

Requirements:

• Resources cannot exceed $9,950 for individuals or $14,910 for married couples.
• Income cannot exceed $1,616/month for individuals or a combined $2,184/month for married couples.

Qualified Individual Program (QI)

Pays for Medicare part B premiums. Applications for this assistance program are limited and operate on a first come, first-serve basis.

Requirements:

• Resources cannot exceed $9,950 for individuals or $14,910 for married couples.
• Income cannot exceed $1,816/month for individuals or a combined $2,455/month for married couples.

Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals Program (QDWI)

Pays for Medicare part A premiums only and people under the age of 65 who meet certain criteria can also apply for this program.

Requirements:

• Resources correct ($4,000/$6,000)
• Income cannot exceed $5,405/month for individuals or a combined $7,299/month for married couples.

Learn more about Medicare Savings Programs

Nobody should have to worry about not being able to pay for their prescriptions. The Extra Help program is a federally funded program that helps people pay for their Medicare Part D premiums, copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance. If you qualify for either the QMB, SLMB, or QI programs above, then you automatically qualify for the Extra Help program.

Learn more about how to get help paying for Medicare Part D

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for medical expenses. It also covers some services that aren’t covered by all Medicare coverage options like nursing home care and personal care services. If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid may help with certain premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

To find out if you're eligible for Medicaid, call your State Medicaid program.

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a Medicare and Medicaid program that helps people meet their health care needs close to home, instead of at a nursing home or another facility.

PACE can help you get care at home, or nearby in your community like:

There’s no deductible or copay for any service that’s approved by your PACE team.

• If you have Medicaid, you won't pay a monthly premium for PACE.
• If you have Medicare but don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may pay a monthly premium for the long-term care portion of PACE and a premium for Medicare Part D drug coverage.
• If you don’t have Medicare or Medicaid, you may pay the PACE premium yourself.
• You won’t have a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for drugs, services, or care approved by your PACE team. 

Find PACE plans near you.