I'm living solely on Social Security of $1,400 monthly and can't afford my Medicare premiums and copays. What assistance programs might help someone in my situation?
Answered by 73 licensed agents
A person of this income level may qualify for Medicaid, which is a separate agency from Medicare, administered by individual States, for low-income folks. Apply through Department of Health and Human Services in your state. If you qualify for Medicaid, it can go along with your Medicare. This is referred to as dual-eligible (Medicare & Medicaid). Dual eligible individuals qualify for additional benefits. There is another program for low-income folks called Extra Help for Prescription Drug Costs. The income brackets for this program are slightly higher than those for Medicaid. Some folks qualify for Medicare, Medicaid and Extra Help for Prescription Drug Costs. If necessary, I'm able to guide folks in applying for Medicaid and/or Extra Help. Additionally, I offer benefit reviews at no charge, to see if I can offer you more benefits or lower premiums or both.
Hi. Thanks for watching. My name is Steve. I'm the husband, half of the husband and wife Medicare team here in Arizona. The question today is that someone's asking, "I'm living only on Social Security. I make like $1,400 a month, and I can't afford my Medicare premiums, co-pays. What assistance programs might help someone in my situation?"
Easy answer. You need to immediately get online. Or if you have an agent, have them help you make an appointment with Social Security. They're very nice people, actually, surprisingly, but they are very nice people. They've helped us out several times. Make an appointment, go down there, and talk to them. Show them what you're making, and they can put you on what's called extra help. There's a lot of different levels on that. It has to do with your monthly income.
I know a lot of people, we've helped a lot of people that have pretty much a zero cost for their Medicare each month, and everything's covered. So do yourself a favor. Find an agent that knows what they're doing. Make an appointment with Social Security. Go down and talk to the nice people there and have them help you. That's what they're there for.
An income of $1,400 would qualify for a few different national and state programs to help with Medicare costs. The LIS 9Extra Help) programs helps with Part D premiums and copays. The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) can help with Part A and Part B premiums. These programs will also have Resource limits (Assets). Be sure to check for the current year limits for both.
In addition to those two programs, all the states have programs of their own that can work along side the national programs. Again, each state will be different so you should reach out to your state HHS department to see what is available.
You may qualify for low income substenty and your state may pay your part B deductible and your program will have low or no co-pays. I help a lot of people help with that.
You can try to apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Human Services which would get your part B paid for. You could also inquire about a Low Income Subsidy through social security which would allow your part B to be paid for. One option that you may not have thought of is checking into a "giveback" plan with Medicare Advantage plans. They pay a good portion of your Medicare premium in exchange for enrolling with them.
It would be a good idea to check with your counties Medicaid office. You may qualify for help in that area. Each state has different qualifications so if you’ve tried before somewhere else I would advise you to try again. Also if you don’t already have extra help I would advise you to do that as well. Extra help gives you help with prescription plans and with the cost of prescriptions.
Thank you for the question. My name is Charise Karjala, and I'm a broker in Palm Desert, California. The question is, I'm living solely on Social Security of $1,400 per month and can't afford my Medicare premiums and copays. What assistance programs might help someone in my situation?
Well, $1,400 is well below the Medicaid threshold, so that would be the first line of offense: contact your local Health and Human Services office and apply for Medicaid for your state. That will eliminate your Medicare premium of $185. You will then be eligible for a dual eligible policy, which means you’ll have both Medicaid and Medicare. In my state, it's called Medi-Cal, but it's Medicaid.
So, that's number one: just do that. Does everybody do that? No. I have some clients who have trust funds that support them, so they may have $1,400 a month in income, but they have trust fund money that pays for their health coverage. It doesn't sound like that's your option in this circumstance.
Once you become dual eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, you have a special election period every single month, at least in 2025, to change your policy. As soon as you get dual eligibility, you can go into a zero premium, zero copay, zero Medicare Part B premium policy. But you've got to hit up your Health and Human Services office in your state.
There are medicare savings programs that are funded through the state medicaid office that could help with your medicare part b premium. The threshold to qualify is $1585 so you should qualify with $1400 monthly income. You may also be eligible for the low income subsidy that Reduces or eliminates your Part D prescription drug plan's monthly premiums and annual deductible. In 2025, it limits your copayments to no more than $4.90 for generics and $12.15 for brand-name drugs.
Depending on your state, I would look into Medicare Savings Program to help paying your Medicare B premiums. Some Medicare Brokers can help assist with these applications.
If you are living on Social Security only there are a few different options you can look into. You can look for a low income subsidy, Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid.
Medicaid eligibility starts at $1761/mo with a limit of $9660 in assets. There is also a $20 standard disregard for coverage. If you are under these figures in earning/assets, you are eligible for medicaid, which pays your part B $185 premium among other benefits. Typically, dual eligible Medicare, medicaid HMO special needs plans have no copays. Many offer monthly credit card benefits to use on housing, utility and grocery expenses.
You can apply for Medicaid if you live in NH. If not the state you live in should have a state program to help seniors that are low income. Ask if you qualify for a food benefit as well as medical. This can also help you with paying the part B each month.
I recommend that you call Social Security to get extra help with paying for your medications. You can also apply by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local Social Security.
You can apply for your State Medicaid assistance, known as the Medicare Savings Program. Each state calls it something different. In Alabama it is Alabama Medicaid, and I believe in Tennessee it’s called TennCare. They set the income limits for you to qualify and it changes yearly. In Alabama it pays your part B premium currently in 2025.
You may fit the criteria for having some of those costs covered under a Medicare program for lower income beneficiaries. The name of the program is Medicare Savings Program. You can apply at your local Medicaid office. Medicare Savings Program may subsidize your part B premium and potentially deductibles and coinsurance costs. It looks to me like you could qualify for some or all of those savings.
With an income of $1400 monthly, you do qualify for both extra help from Medicare in paying for your medications and also for the Medicare Savings QMB Medicaid which would help pay the Medicare monthly premium and also give you $0 copays on Dr visits, hospital and medical treatment. Once you get the Medicare Savings an agent can put you on a what is called the DSNP Medicare Advantage plan that will also give you extra $$ for Dental, Vision and Transportation. It will also give a $$ amount that can be used for Groceries, Utility Bills or Rent.
The Medicare Savings Program in your state may help if your income meets the program's eligibility requirements. If you qualify, the state will pay your Medicare Part B premium, so it will no longer be deducted from your Social Security check. You will also be enrolled in the Extra Help program, which provides low-cost prescription drug prices.
The easiest way to start is to apply for "Extra Help" with Medicare Part D costs. When you start with the application for this (it's literally called "Extra Help"), it will send your information to the state/DHS to see if you might qualify for further assistance - unless you specifically click the box to say not to. Go to this link. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Apply now". Follow your way through the application. This is actually done through the ssa.gov (Social Security Administration) website, so it's totally legit and secure. Worst they'll say is no, so I always tell my clients there is no harm in applying.
As long as you don’t have a lot of money in savings or investments, with that income, you should qualify for the Medicare savings program. You can apply at the Medicaid office or on the Medicaid website for whatever state you live in. If approved, the state will cover your Medicare part B premiums, and then you will most likely qualify for a dual special needs plan that will get you extra benefits like help with utilities groceries over-the-counter items, etc.
Low-income subsidy by the state you live in or apply for state Medicaid at that income. You can apply for this online at SSA.gov under the Medicare tab dropdown that says Low-income part D extra help
There are multiple assistance programs for individuals with lower income. I assist people with applying for the Medicare Savings Program. If they qualify then they would no longer be responsible for paying their Part B premium. I also help people with applying for Low Income Subsidy (LIS) also called Extra Help. If approved this would allow them to refill their prescriptions at a lower cost and in some cases pay $0 for all prescriptions. I'd also help with applying for Medicaid. If they qualify and are approved, their copays would be lowered if not reduced to $0 for a visit no matter the kind of visit.
There are Medicare savings programs that are state-run programs that help pay Medicare Part A and/or Part B costs. With a $1,400/month in income, you may fall within the limits for at this program.
Since I only have an Arizona insurance license, I can only tell you about my state. Therefore, you are currently making too much to qualify for Medicaid. You can also contact “SHIP” or the State Health Insurance Program (Google it) to see if you may qualify for other types of assistance? There are also non-profit organizations to whom you can appeal. If you know of a social worker, that is yet another source of information to help you, too. See if there is an organization of social workers who can recommend someone who is willing to advise you. Lastly, if you can't afford the Medicare premiums, you may have signed up for a Medigap or Medicare Supplement plan, all of which have a monthly premium. So, during the upcoming fall Annual Open Enrollment period: October 15 - Dec. 7, pick up a (free of premium) Medicare Advantage plan which is government- subsidized. That becomes effective on January 1st of the following year.
There are several programs which may help with your premiums and copays.
(LIS) Extra Help With Prescription Drugs is an income qualified Medicare program that reduces the part d monthly premium and limits the copays for qualified medications.
Check with your states Medicaid program to determine if you qualify. Medicaid can pay the part B monthly premium and reduce the copays for medical costs for those who qualify.
Check with a local agent who can help you apply for LIS. Call your local Medicaid office for assistance applying for Medicaid.
You’re not supposed to be struggling like this on Medicare—there are programs that can wipe out a big chunk of those costs. You just have to get enrolled in the right ones.
Contact a local Medicare broker to Check your state EXTRA Help programs. There are resources and programs you are able to apply for that are Income based and may pay your Medicare premiums, penalties, RX copays and much more.
As a Medicare broker to my clients, I help apply for these resources and also can guide where to and how to apply.
This might depend on what state you live in. There could be two possible things that could assist you. One I would suggest you look into your state's welfare program and possibly submit an application to see if you qualify based on your income vs costs. Many of these programs will pay a portion or all of your Medicare premiums and co-pays. Two you may want to do a plan review as there are some Medicare Advantage plans that can assist with Medicare Premiums in the form of a Giveback and also comparing co-pays on plans.
We have several options we can explore. LIS, QMB, a Medicare Advantage part B give back. Lets provide a full look at your situation and see what fits best in your situation.
I'm Cody Brown, a senior benefits services agent. Today's question is, "I'm living solely on Social Security of $1,400 monthly and can't afford my Medicare premiums and co-pays. What assistance programs might help someone in my situation?"
There are many assistance programs out there for people on Medicare who have a limited income. The two most common ones are Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help with prescription drugs. The Medicare Savings Programs are funded and administered locally through your state Medicaid office. That can help pay for things like your Medicare premium and your health co-pays, or both. You can reach out to your local Medicaid office to see what you might qualify for.
There's also Extra Help with prescription drugs. That's the actual name of the program, and it is run through Social Security. So if you qualify for this program, you could get drastically reduced costs on your prescriptions. Someone who does not qualify for that program typically pays around $100 a month or so for a brand-name prescription on most prescription plans.
This assistance program would limit the amount that you pay for any brand-name prescription to $12.65 and any generic prescription to $5.10. So, there are lots of savings on the table out there for you. If you qualify for some of those programs, just make sure to reach out and see what's available for you.
You should qualify for assistance based on your income. Since I do not know enough about your situation, I suggest you contact Medicaid to see if you are dual eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
To begin you may apply for "Extra Help" for prescription drugs. This application, if you chose, will be sent to the state you reside.
You may Google "Apply for Extra Help". Be sure you apply thru the Social Security site. Here is the website: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help
You may also contact your Department of Human Services to help.
There are state programs that can help you with Medicare expenses. You can contact the Medicaid office in your area.
Here are some types of help
QMB Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, if your income is less than $1,275 for 2025 you can get assistance with Part A and B Premiums, deductibles and co-pays.
SLMB Specified low income Medicare Beneficiary, if your income is less than $1,526 for 2025, it helps with Part B Premium.
QI Qualifying individual, if your income is less than $1,715 for 2025, it helps with Part B premium, first come, first served.
The first two programs that come to mind are the Extra Help program administered by social security and the Medicare Savings Program that each state administers. Extra Help is a program designed to specifically keep drug prices lower and manageable for those who have it. Medicare Savings Programs are offered through each state's Medicaid systems and may pay for the monthly Medicare premium and/or medical copays and costs for the beneficiary. Both the Extra Help program and the Medicare Savings Program are based on an individual's income and assets. Completing an Extra Help application online also sends your information over to the state you live in to assess your eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program. I always recommend someone with limited income and assets complete the Extra Help application first and then look for a follow up from the state once they have submitted that.
You should apply for Medicaid in your state, and that will provide alot of extra benefits also. If you were approved it could pay your medicare premiums and copays depending on the level you were approved for.
Apply for the Extra Help program through Social Security, on their website. It can help with out of pocket prescription drug costs. It can also help subsidize your monthly premium for a standalone prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan. A question in the Extra Help application, asks if you want Social Security to send your information to your state to see if you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program. If you qualify, the state could help pay for your Medicare Part B monthly premium.
Several assistance programs can help with Medicare costs for those with limited income, particularly those receiving only Social Security. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) can help pay for Part A and/or Part B premiums, deductibles, and copayments. The "Extra Help" program can assist with Part D (prescription drug coverage) costs. Additionally, Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) may offer further assistance with medical costs.
If you’re living on a limited income, you may qualify for programs that help lower your Medicare costs. These can include Extra Help for prescription drug costs, a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to help pay premiums and copays, and possibly Medicaid depending on your income and assets. A local Medicare agent can help check what programs you may qualify for and assist with the application process.
You're in a tough spot, but there are programs designed specifically to help people like you called Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) These state-run programs help pay for Medicare costs. Based on your income, you may qualify for: QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part A and B premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance. SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Covers your Part B premium. QI (Qualified Individual): Also helps with the Part B premium. Just to name a few.
To afford your Medicare costs on a Social Security income of $1,400/month, you can apply for the Extra Help program (also known as the Low-Income Subsidy or LIS), which helps with prescription drug costs, and the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), which help pay for Original Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. You may also be eligible for Medicaid, which can cover additional costs like dental care and long-term care, depending on your state's rules. To apply for these programs, contact your state's Medicaid office or visit the Social Security Administration's website.
Many programs can assist you in achieving your goals of having a zero-dollar cost for your Medicare Part B premium and a zero-dollar or low-cost option for your prescriptions. You need to have a dedicated insurance agent that can help you and manage the care and the programs for you.
You can look into Medicaid assistance. You need to apply with the Department of Children and Family. As a broker this is a process I assist my clients with.
I'm living solely on Social Security of $1,400 monthly and can't afford my Medicare premiums and copays. What assistance programs might help someone in my situation? You might be eligible for medicaid which can qualify for Medicare Saving Programs(MSP) like Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program or other MSP which can with premiums and other cost sharing
Based upon the federal government's minimum standards for income and assistance, a person with an income of $1400 would at least qualify for their state to pay their medicare premium, which is $185 month in 2025.
Check with your state department of Health and Human Services. It may have a different name in your state though. See if you qualify for a Medicaid Savings Plan (MSP). If you do, your state will pay your federal Part B premium. If your income is low enough, you may also qualify for full Medicaid benefits as well. If you do, and depending on your county of residence, you may be eligible for a Dual Special Needs Medicare Advantage Plan (D-SNP) which covers 100% of your copays.
There are several resources for a person in this situation. Both at the Federal level and The State level. A Licensed Agent will be able to guide you with regard to these.
Dependent on your state then you should be receiving help with your part D prescription drug coverage and possibly reach a subsidy level through the state to cover your part B premium.
Although, the actual amount may vary by state, I would contact your local Medicaid office for assistance. Then I would follow up with your Medicare Plan to see what different plans may be available for members at your income level. Don't forget to contact your agent or broker. You shouldn't have to go it alone.
You have the option to apply for a low income subsidy through the federal government, go to https://secure.ssa.gov/i1020/start . This will trigger paperwork to be sent out by the state for Medicare Savings Programs (MSP). From there a determination will be made to get state help to assist with food/utilities, etc.
Sure, the Extra help would be ideal to help pay copayments, coinsurance & premiums for low income people on fixed incomes. Simply type in Extra Help in the Medicare.gov search box & it will show you exactly how the program works & how you qualify!
Good evening! I understand how the cost of healthcare could become expensive; and fortunately our government understands this as well. There is assistance available that each state provides, that you may qualify for; such as Low Income Subsidies. Speaking with an agent could guide you through this process. Also, you can go to Medicare.gov where you can obtain further guidance. You may reach out to me, and i would be happy to assist.
You can apply for Extra Help for Low Income Subsidy, (which will assist with your Part D premium, deductibles and copays), with the Social Security Administration. You can have the application sent to the state you reside in, to apply for Medicare Savings Programs. These are state run programs, so they will vary state to state. You may qualify for QMB, SLMB, QI, or Medicaid.
Realistically, I would need more information to provide advice for your specific situation. Generally, your best option is to apply for your state's Medicaid program. There are varying levels of Medicaid coverage, which would help to provide financial relief if you qualify.
Medicaid is the best option. At that income level, you may not qualify for FULL benefits, however you could possibly qualify for partial. Partial may cover your Part B Premium for you. Also, look into your states Agency on Aging and apply for Extra Help aka LIS.
You can apply for your state Medicaid assistance program, visit your local Medicaid office. You can also apply for the extra help program offered by the Social Security Administration that can lower prescription drug costs.
You should definitely apply for "Extra Help" through SSA.Gov
It takes about 15-20 minutes to fill out the application online, and the Federal Government will determine if you qualify for it depending on your answers.
If they approve you, your Medicare Part B premium is paid for you by the Federal government, and you also obtain medicines at an extremely low cost.
You can apply for a Medicare Savings Program, Extra Help or even Medicaid through the state in which you live. You can call a local agent who would help you walk through all your options and ensure you are getting the help you need.
I would definitely apply for assistance through the Family of social services administration. Otherwise known as Medicaid, they could possibly assist with premiums and copays.
You should apply through your state for something called Medicare Savings Programs. Based on your income and resources you might qualify for one of 4 different programs. For example. Someone making less than $1585 a month and has less than $9660 in resources might qualify for the Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program which helps pay for Medicare Part B premium and also provides you with Extra Help which pays for your prescription drugs.
Contact the Social Security Administrator and see if you qualify for LIS to help with Medicare costs. Also, check to see if you qualify for Medicaid in your state
Programs like the Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help that can cover your premiums, lower your copays, and even help with prescriptions if you’re on a limited income. With $1,400 a month from Social Security, you’d likely qualify, and an agent can walk you through applying so you don’t miss out on the help.
If your income is low enough you could qualify for LIS (aka Low Income Subsidy or Extra Help) and/or Medicaid. LIS helps with premiums, coinsurance, and deductibles as it pertains to a prescription drug plan and Medicaid helps with paying the Part B premium which is $202.90 each month for 2026.
Hello, the Medicare Savings Program can help you save on your Medicare premiums. You can visit your local state Medicaid website and apply and check your qualifications
