If you or an older family member are struggling to pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, or prescription medications, you are not alone, and you do not have to figure it out by yourself. Federal and state assistance programs exist specifically to lower these out of pocket medical expenses for people living on limited incomes.
This page gives a quick overview of the main cost relief programs available, outlines where to get free guidance, and points you to detailed guides that explain how to get Medicare Extra Help through each application process.
Start here
Before filling out forms or guessing what you qualify for, reach out to your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program. They provide free, unbiased one-on-one counseling to help you understand your coverage and find financial aid. You can locate your local team through the state health insurance assistance programs network or by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Main programs that lower Medicare costs
- Medicare Savings Programs. These state run programs can pay Part B premiums and sometimes cover Part A and Part B deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
- Extra Help. This federal low income subsidy run by Social Security lowers Part D prescription plan premiums, deductibles, and medication copays.
- Part D Out of Pocket Cap. Medicare prescription drug plans place an annual maximum cap on your covered medication costs.
- Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. This option allows you to spread out your Part D out of pocket prescription costs into monthly payments across the year.
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs. Several states provide their own dedicated programs to help seniors afford monthly medication expenses.
- Patient Assistance Programs. Many pharmaceutical manufacturers operate charitable programs that offer free or discounted medications directly to patients who qualify.
- Area Agencies on Aging and 211. Local aging offices and the 211 helpline connect seniors to community benefits and utility relief that free up money for healthcare.
- BenefitsCheckUp. You can run a quick confidential screening on NCOA benefitscheckup to see which assistance options match your household situation.
Common questions
- Learn about the step by step process in our guide on paying Medicare premiums.
- Find out if you qualify for monthly premium relief with our article on help paying Part B.
- Review the basic guidelines in our overview on qualifying for savings programs.
- Understand how coverage works day to day in our breakdown of how savings programs work.
- Keep your benefits active by reading our instructions on renewing your savings program.
- Apply for federal medication cost relief with our guide on getting Extra Help.
- Learn about benefit reviews and renewals by reading Extra Help expiration rules.
- Lower your doctor and hospital bills using our advice on paying Medicare copays.
- Explore realistic medication relief options in our article on free prescription drugs.
- Connect with trained local advisors by reading about free Medicare counseling.
- Cut your pharmacy expenses using our tips on paying Part D costs.
What to have ready before you call
- Your red, white, and blue Medicare card or your current Medicare number.
- A complete list of your current prescription medications, including dosages.
- Proof of monthly household income, including Social Security statements or pension stubs.
- Recent bank statements showing your current savings and liquid assets.
- Information on any current health coverage, Medicaid status, or supplemental policies.
Watch for scams
Be very careful if someone calls claiming to be from Medicare asking for personal information. Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 will never call you out of the blue demanding your Medicare number to issue a refund or upgrade your card. Anyone who contacts you unexpectedly asking for private financial details or your Medicare card number is running a scam.
Program rules are set federally but run locally, eligibility and availability vary by state, and coverage details you need on Medicare Extra Help change over time, so please confirm current details with your local agency.