HOW TO GET HELP WITH MEDICARE EXPENSES

By Jeff Rothstein I October 6, 2020

If you currently have Medicare and are facing financial challenges paying for health care, you may qualify for Special Needs Medicare programs that can help you save money on drug and medical costs.

Medicaid

If you have a low income and limited resources, you may qualify for Medicaid—a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs. Medicaid also provides benefits not typically covered by Medicare including nursing home care and personal care services. Each state has different rules about eligibility and applying for Medicaid. If you reside in Broward or Palm Beach Counties in Florida, contact licensed independent agent, Jeff Rothstein at 954-270-9114 for more information and assistance in applying for aid.

Medicare Savings Programs

Even if you do not qualify for Medicaid, one of these 4 Medicare Savings Programs may be able to help you pay your premiums and other Medicare costs:

  • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
  • Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
  • Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
  • Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program

Again, If you reside in Broward or Palm Beach Counties in Florida, contact licensed independent agent, Jeff Rothstein at 954-270-9114 for more information .Or if not, contact your state Medicaid program to see if you’re eligible for savings through one of these programs.

Extra Help – LIS

If you qualify for Medicaid or one of the Medicare Savings Programs above, you’ll also get Extra Help paying for your prescription drugs with a low income subsidy. Extra Help is a program that helps people with limited income and resources pay Medicare prescription drug costs including:

  • premiums
  • deductibles
  • coinsurance

If you don’t automatically qualify for Extra Help, you can apply online at socialsecurity.gov.

Not eligible for any of these programs?

Even if you don’t qualify to get help with Medicare, choosing the right health and drug coverage can help you save money. Medicare’s Open Enrollment (October 15–December 7) is a great time to make any necessary changes. For information and assistance on all Broward and Palm Beach County programs, contact Jeff Rothstein at South Florida Health Options, 954-270-9114.