Program Descriptions

Medicare and Medicare Savings

Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 years old or over and for certain disabled people under 65. A person is automatically enrolled in Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) when he or she applies for Social Security benefits upon reaching 65. Part A covers inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility for a limited period of time. Part B covers doctor's services and outpatient hospital services. This is paid for out of the enrollee's Social Security benefits. Medicare does not pay full cost of some covered services.

Several Medicare Savings Programs help people with low income and asset levels pay for Medicare health care coverage. You must meet certain income and asset limits to qualify for these programs. Note that the income limits listed are for people with unearned incomes (people who are no longer working). People with earned incomes (who are working) are allowed higher income limits when qualifying for Medicaid (that would assist with Medicare premiums) or Medicare Savings Programs.

Medicare Part D is health insurance available for those eligible for Medicare Part A and /or B. This prescription coverage would be administered through a selected Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), information and enrollment are available through Medicare [1-800-MEDICARE or www.Medicare.gov ]. Medicare Part D does not pay full cost of all medications; there are premiums, deductibles, co-insurance and co-pays.

“Extra Help” can assist people with low income and asset levels with payment for Medicare PDP premiums and the other cost-sharing expenses. This help is available automatically for those that are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. For those that are not eligible for “Extra Help” through Medicaid, may be eligible by applying through the Social Security Administration (SSA) [1-800-772-1213 or www.socialsecurity.gov]