I'm a low-income senior who can't afford my prescription drugs even with Medicare Part D. What specific assistance programs should I apply for?
Answered by 20 licensed agents
1. Extra Help from Medicare
To qualify for Extra Help, you must:
• Be enrolled in Medicare Part D
• Have an income below 150% of the federal poverty level
• Have limited financial resources
How to Apply
You can apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, by calling SSA, or by visiting your local SSA office.
2. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs)
Eligibility requirements for SPAPs differ depending on the state, but they generally include:
• Residency in the state
• Enrollment in Medicare Part D
• Meeting specific income and resource limits
How to Apply
To find out if your state has a SPAP and how to apply, visit the Medicare website or contact your state's Department of Health Services. - https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs
3. Pharmaceutical Company Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
Each pharmaceutical company has its own eligibility requirements, but they generally include:
• Having no insurance coverage or limited coverage for the medication
• Meeting specific income limits
4. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid also offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, including prescription drugs.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for Medicaid varies by state, but typically includes:
• Having a low income
• Meeting specific resource limits
How to Apply
To apply for Medicaid, contact your state’s Medicaid office or visit their website.
Answered by Mark Cunningham on April 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in CO, FL, NE & WY
Answered by Larry Dalton on May 2, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK & TX
Answered by Tony Capraro III on May 9, 2025
Agent Licensed in NH
You will need bank statements and tax return information and any retirement benefits to see if you qualify. If you want to talk to someone at Social Security the number you can call is :
1-800-772-1213
You can even look at Medicare.Gov and research Medicare part D extra help. I would also consider looking at LIS : Limited income subsidy. It may help with copays and premiums
Answered by Tasha Riggs on April 12, 2025
Broker Licensed in CO, AZ, HI & 10 other states
Answered by Danny Radisewitz on April 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in SD, IA, MN & ND
Answered by Angela Ellington on April 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, FL & 9 other states
Answered by Kim Cotten on May 19, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 40 other states
Answered by Mel Brickman on April 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in CT
Answered by Dana Dane on April 14, 2025
Agent Licensed in OR, AZ, CA & 6 other states
You can also apply for state insurance with your local welfare office. Depending on state they can provide additional resources for local organizations that provide additional services based on eligibility.
Answered by Yasmery Vargas on April 15, 2025
Agent Licensed in PA
State Pharmaceutical programs.
Your State's Medicaid you could contact.
Contact your Broker to assist you in when you can go to another Medicare Advantage Policy with Part D included or another Part D Policy. For information please go to
www.locatemedicareinsurance.com Thank you.
Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO and PFFS) organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Answered by Andrew Zurbuch, MBA on April 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in IN, FL, KY, MO, OH & TN
PAAD - Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged or Disabled
HAAD - Hearing Aid Assistance for the Aged or Disabled
Senior Gold
all can be reached at 1-800-792-9745
Answered by Chad Watkins on May 14, 2025
Agent Licensed in NJ, AK, AL & 48 other states
You can apply online here: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help
Answered by Tammie Rutledge on April 3, 2025
Broker Licensed in WA, AZ, FL & ID, MT, OR & TX
Here's a more detailed breakdown of how to get help:
1. Apply for Extra Help:
You can apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can apply online at SSA.gov/extrahelp or at your local Social Security office.
2. Eligibility:
To be eligible, you typically need to have limited income and resources. You may also qualify if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.
3. What Extra Help Covers:
Extra Help can help with your Part D drug plan premiums, deductibles, and copayments, reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
4. New York State Assistance:
In New York, you can also look into the State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP), which provides assistance for prescription drugs to those with low incomes.
5. State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP):
You can contact your local SHIP to get free, non-biased assistance with understanding and applying for Medicare and related programs, including Extra Help. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs
6. Patient Assistance Programs:
Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs that can help you get your medications for free or at a reduced cost. You can find information about these programs through RxAssist.org or NeedyMeds.
To summarize:
Apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration.
Check if you qualify for SPAP or other state-specific programs.
Reach out to your local SHIP for assistance.
Explore patient assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
Answered by Fred Manas on May 14, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states
Answered by Steve Brauer on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & CA
Answered by David Christian on April 24, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA & TX
Answered by Richard Balistreri on May 19, 2025
Agent Licensed in MO, AZ, FL & 7 other states
Answered by Patrick Stinson on April 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AR, AZ & 9 other states
Answered by Christopher Stewart on May 12, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ, CO & KS
Answered by Josh Vojtush on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH, FL, IL & MI, NC, SC & VA
Tags: Advice for Seniors Medicare Part D Prescription Drug
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