There is help available for those with lower incomes.

If you have limited income and assets, you may qualify for help. Less than half of those who qualify for this assistance actually sign up.

Don't hesitate to apply for help with Medicare.

Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday, or your state Medical Assistance or Medicaid office.

• Medicaid
  A program that pays for medical assistance for certain individuals and families with limited incomes and resources. Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal and state governments and managed by the states. Medicaid includes programs that help eligible persons pay Medicare premiums and cost sharing.
  See dual eligible and Medicare Savings Plan.
  helps pay costs not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). It may also include some added benefits, including prescription drugs, eye care or long-term care that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
• Medicare Savings Program helps you pay your Original Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance.
• Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) combines medical, social and long-term care services for people over the age of 55 who meet the qualifications to receive nursing home care, but live and get their services in the community. This program is not available in all states.
• Prescription drug premium assistance programs help pay some or all of a person’s Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance.
• Other programs may be available in your state.

Are you eligible for financial assistance?

It depends on your income. Your income includes money you get from retirement benefit or other money that you report for tax purposes. It also includes your assets (for example, property other than your house). The income eligibility levels vary by state and program. In 2012, the income eligibility average is close to $16,335 a year for an individual or $22,065 for a couple.

For singles, help may start when monthly income is around $16,335.
For couples, help may start when combined monthly income is around $22,065.

Want to learn more?

Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday, or your state Medical Assistance or Medicaid office. You can also get more answers through our Medicare Made Clear Resources or by calling a Medicare Made Clear representative at 1-877-619-5582, TTY 711, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.