What do I do if I cannot afford my Medicare premiums?

Question

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Accepted Answer

You can inquire on a reduction to your Medicare Part B premium by calling Medicare at 1800MEDICARE. When you call Medicare please note the date of the call & the Medicare representative's name. If you call Medicare back, you will most likely not get the same representative on that call. 
You can also apply for Medicaid in your State of residence. Please call your State's Medicaid Office. Thank you.

William Lawler · Answer

If you cannot afford your Part B premium, I would apply for help through your state`s Medicaid program.  Bill Lawler 636-500-1892

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

Apply for State Medicaid. 

Partial Medicaid also known as Medicare Savings Program can help pay your Medicare Part A&B premiums, other plan premiums (if you have a Medicare Advantage plan), copays and coinsurance. This particular MSP is also called QMB or Qualified Medicare Beneficiary.

David Bell · Answer

First apply for extra help with prescription drug costs. If you qualify, that program will reduce your part B premiums. Supplemental coverage premiums are usually more than what average co-pays on Medicare Advantage plans. So Medicare Advantage may be a good solution. Be sure to understand the details of the plan.

Answered by David Bell on May 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in ID, AZ, CA & 8 other states

Answered by David Bell Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Denniston · Answer

If you cannot afford your Medicare part B premiums you should apply for LIS (low income subsidy) also known as extra help. Qualifying for LIS is based on income. There is also the application for MSP (Medicare Savings Plan) which may pay your part B premium. I as an agent work with many clients and help guide them through the application process. It's easy to explain and also submit.

Answered by Michael Denniston on June 1, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 11 other states

Answered by Michael Denniston Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Andrews · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/what-do-i-do-if-i-cannot-afford-my-medicare-premiums#michael-andrews

Christy Jones · Answer

Get with a Broker that can help you apply for various programs based on your income. (You can also go to Social Security and Health & Welfare to see if you qualify.). Some programs will cover your Medicare premiums, but you have to qualify for them. Some qualifications are based on your income and financial situation.

Answered by Christy Jones on May 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, AL, AR & 20 other states

Answered by Christy Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Justin Call · Answer

We look at Medicaid options, Low Income Subsidies (Extra Help), and other programs. We also talk about what you are paying for currently. Maybe you have a life insurance policy that is more than you need, or maybe we can get you a better rate on a similar policy.

Answered by Justin Call on June 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in UT, ID, MT & WY

Answered by Justin Call Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Please apply for Medicaid. If you are approved, depending on your aging in to Medicare, you can apply for a “SNP” (or a Special Needs Plan) Advantage plan, where there are no premiums/month and no out of pocket expenses for medical & hospital treatment or prescription drugs!

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Lovell · Answer

If you are struggling to afford your Medicare premiums, several options can help. You can explore Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) offered by your state, which can assist with premium costs, deductibles, and coinsurance. Additionally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides "Extra Help" for those with limited income to lower prescription drug costs, which can indirectly alleviate financial strain. 

We can allook at other products and other ways to pay for it.

Bill Wheeler · Answer

You may seek help from a Medicare give back
Program. That will offer a benefit toward your part B cost.

Cindy Clonts · Answer

You may qualify for "extra help" or Medicaid if you are below the federal poverty limit.  We can help you fill out an application.

Valentina Gatewood · Answer

If you are unable to afford the Part B premium, there are options. You can apply for premium assistance or Medicaid.

Jon Maves · Answer

Talk to me! Medicare doesn't provide a one size fits all solution. Part of the value that I can add is educating you with what your options are and help you make the best decision for your situation. Sometimes it is clear, other times I will just ask you questions to help you come to a decision that you feel comfortable and good about.

Answered by Jon Maves on May 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AZ, CA & 9 other states

Answered by Jon Maves Medicare Insurance Agent

Jennifer Parks · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans can offer that safety net with little or no monthly premiums (you must still have part b). Additionally most Advantage plans offer some additional benefits like dental, vision and hearing benefits not covered by original Medicare.

Answered by Jennifer Parks on June 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in AR, FL, MO, MS, OK & TX

Answered by Jennifer Parks Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

If you're struggling to afford your Medicare premiums, you can explore several options for financial assistance.
State and federal programs, like Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid, can help cover premiums and other medical costs. 
Also, you can consider programs like Extra Help, which provides financial assistance with Medicare Part D prescription drug costs.

Gary Henderson · Answer

There are programs run by the states that can help lower your Medicare costs. Find out if you’re eligible for these programs, how to apply, and other ways to save on your Medicare coverage. 
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

Check with your state for program(s) that may help with that. I do know that MD has a program that help with Part B premiums and another that would help with the 20% that you would pay to the doctor.

David Christian · Answer

If you can't afford your Medicare premiums you should contact your local County office and see if you qualify for Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California). If you qualify they may pay your Medicare premium for you. If you need assistance paying for your prescriptions and fall within the income limits you may be awarded Medicare Part D Prescription Assistance known as Low Income Subsidy. You may apply for that here: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help

Answered by David Christian on May 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & TX

Answered by David Christian Medicare Insurance Agent

Jerry Cohen · Answer

Medicare offers at least two ways to reduce costs for benificiaries. The Kow Income Su 
bsidy reduces costs on prescription medications and the costs of drug plan premium.A second form of assistance comes in a program called a Medicare Savings Plan which lowers deductibles, co pays, and premiums for beneficiaries.

Eizel Mere · Answer

There are plans that have Givebacks to help with the Part B premium. It depends on what plans your doctor takes and whats prescriptions you take. Also Medicaid could be an option if yoir income is below the guidelines. Feel free to contact me for more information.

Answered by Eizel Mere on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Eizel Mere Medicare Insurance Agent

Natalee Nimmo · Answer

I would recommend that you seek assistance from Medicaid. They have different programs that allow you higher income than normal Medicaid but will pay the Medicare Part B premiums for you. That program is called QI (qualified individual) program in SC.

Answered by Natalee Nimmo on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC, FL, GA & KY, MO, NC & TX

Answered by Natalee Nimmo Medicare Insurance Agent

George Francis · Answer

There are various programs available to cover some but not all premium costs. 

Programs resources available to help are:
1. Medicare Saving Programs (MSP), help cover costs associated with Medicare Part A and B. You qualify based on income and/or resources.
2. Low-Income Subsidy or Extra Help (Part D) program, helps cover Part D premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copays.
3. Medicaid - a government program covering health care costs for individuals with low income, certain children, pregnant people and people with disabilities.

George
Medicare Advantage Advisor

Christopher Stewart · Answer

If you cannot afford your Medicare premiums we need to apply for Medicaid through the state. If you are above the Medicaid threshold we need to apply for Medicare Extra Help, at the minimum.

Darko Bozic · Answer

I would look into possibly getting a Giveback Advantage plan. Some companies offer Medicare Advantage plans that include a 'giveback' perk meaning they pay some or all of your Part B premium.

Brianna Douros · Answer

I would advise to apply for Mediciad. Medicaid is income based and aid through your state. If approved, Mediciad may help pay for parts or all of your medicare premium. If you are outside of the income bracket of medicaid, I would advise you to at least apply for extra help through Medicare. You can do so by going to ssa.gov.

Answered by Brianna Douros on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, CO & TX

Answered by Brianna Douros Medicare Insurance Agent

Jami Mead · Answer

If you cannot afford your Medicare Premiums you can apply for senior Medicaid through your local Job and Family Services. If you are over income and do not qualify for that program, there are several Medicare Advantage Plans that offer a Giveback Program and will pay back a portion of the Medicare Part B Premiums you pay.

Answered by Jami Mead on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 11 other states

Answered by Jami Mead Medicare Insurance Agent

Heith Huguet · Answer

Call me. I can help you navigate the maze of Medicare choices. You may qualify for extra help, part B give back, or a plan with no premium. Let me help you in this process for no charge and no obligation to enroll.

Answered by Heith Huguet on May 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in LA & MS

Answered by Heith Huguet Medicare Insurance Agent

Justin Hundley · Answer

If you are struggling to afford your Medicare premiums then there are a few different programs that you could look into such as Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, or Extra Help (low income subsidy). 

A licensed Medicare agent can assist you in navigating your options and how to find out if you qualify for assistance with your Medicare premiums.

What do I do if I cannot afford my Medicare premiums?

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