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Medicare assistance programs can lower the cost of health insurance
Posted: August 27, 2022
Last updated date: August 27, 2022
There are programs to help make health care coverage more affordable for people with low income and few assets. Depending on the program, it could help pay for just a part or even all of your Medicare costs. Many people who could qualify to get help don’t know it. Read on to find out how.
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Medicare Extra Help can lower the cost of prescription drugs
Extra Help is also known as the “Low-Income Subsidy.” Extra Help is a program that helps pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Depending on your situation, Medicare Extra Help could cover:
- Your monthly plan premiums (the amount that needs to be paid to keep your health insurance coverage going)
- Your yearly deductible (the amount you have to pay before your plan starts to pay for care services)
- Copays or coinsurance (the costs you pay when you fill your prescriptions or get care)
The Social Security Administration estimates that Medicare Extra Help is worth as much as $5,000 per year.1 You can apply for Extra Help online, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or make an appointment with your local Social Security Office.
The extra benefits you get with a dual health plan could be a big help to cover more of your care and costs
Medicare Savings Programs can help pay more of your Medicare costs
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help people with low income pay their Medicare premiums. You may be able to enroll in an MSP even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid medical benefits in your state. In some cases, MSPs may also pay Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, too. Learn more about Medicare Savings programs. Or visit your state Medicaid agency to apply.
Do you qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare?
If you have both Medicaid and Medicare, you may qualify for a Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNP). A D-SNPs typically include many extra benefits beyond Original Medicare or Medicaid – things like dental and vision coverage, plus credits to buy over-the-counter (OTC) products and covered groceries.
That could be a big help to cover more of your care and costs. Use the search box below to see what dual health plans UnitedHealthcare offers in your area.
1 Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs, Social Security Administration https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp.html (accessed April 14, 2022).
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