Operated by HealthBenefitsCompass LLC, a subsidiary of HealthcareGPS Inc.Medicare education · Not a government websiteReviewed by Lauri Middleton, RN, MSN (licensed Medicare agent) and Karen OrillaHow we prepare our guidance →Meet our reviewers →
Reviewed for accuracy by Lauri Middleton, RN, MSN, licensed Medicare agent · Reviewed for clarity by Karen Orilla · · Meet our reviewers →
Decision 5 of 5
Help with costs
Is there a public program that could lower what I pay?
What this is
Two programs exist for people with limited income and resources. Extra Help lowers Part D premiums, deductibles and copays and is applied for through Social Security. Medicare Savings Programs pay the Part B premium, and sometimes more, and are applied for through the state Medicaid office.
The agency decides who is accepted. What this site can do is help you prepare: what to gather, who to call, and what to ask.
Extra HelpA Social Security program that lowers Part D premiums, deductibles and copays for people with limited income and resources. Glossary →Medicare Savings ProgramsState-run programs that pay the Part B premium, and sometimes deductibles and copays, for people with limited income. Applied for through the state Medicaid office. Glossary →Income-related adjustment (IRMAA)Higher Part B and Part D premiums for people whose income two years ago was above a threshold. Social Security decides it and there is an appeal for a drop in income. Glossary →SHIP counselorState Health Insurance Assistance Programs give free, confidential Medicare counseling in every state. Find yours at shiphelp.org. Glossary →
Applied to your calendar
Draw a calendar first and this section will use the actual dates.
→You can ask about cost help without deciding for yourself whether you meet the requirements. The responsible agency makes that decision using your application.
→If income was higher two years ago than it is now — retirement, for example — Social Security has a form to have the income-related premium adjustment reconsidered.
Ask a real person
Ask Social Security:
Ask the state Medicaid office or a SHIP counselor:
Help with costs exists; an agency decides who gets it
Extra Help lowers Part D costs and is applied for through Social Security. Medicare Savings Programs help with Part B premiums and sometimes more, and are applied for through the state Medicaid office (Medi-Cal in California). Both look at income and resources; this site does not screen for them.
