Overview
Medicare beneficiaries with limited income may qualify for programs that pay premiums, deductibles, and prescription drug costs. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) offer free counseling.
Key federal and state programs
These are legitimate program types. Availability and funding vary by location and year — always confirm current details on official sites:
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI)
- Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (where available)
- SHIP free Medicare counseling
Who may qualify
Eligibility rules differ by program and state. Common factors for this topic include:
- Medicare enrollment
- Income and resource limits per program
- Residency in the state administering MSP
How to apply
Use only official government websites and portals. Federal agencies do not charge application fees for standard benefit programs, and no one can guarantee approval. Follow these steps for this topic:
- Apply for Extra Help at SSA.gov.
- Contact your state Medicaid office for Medicare Savings Programs.
- Call SHIP at 1-800-MEDICARE for local counselor referral.
Avoid scams
Protect yourself when researching assistance programs:
- Federal agencies do not charge application fees for standard benefit programs.
- Verify every program on an official .gov website before sharing personal information.
- Be wary of social media ads promising "guaranteed grant approval."
Official government sources
Verify program details, deadlines, and eligibility on these authoritative websites: