🩺 Medicare & Medicaid Assistance

Need help paying for Medicare or understanding your benefits? You're not alone—and you're not without options.

If you're on a fixed income, have limited savings, or care for someone who does, there are several state and federal programs that can help you afford your health care—including Medicaid, Extra Help (LIS), Medicare Savings Programs, SHIP, and CHIP.

💙 What’s the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

• Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, or under 65 with certain disabilities.

• Medicaid is a state-run program that helps low-income individuals of any age afford medical care.

If you qualify for both programs, you may be considered "dual eligible"—and that opens the door to extra benefits and added financial help.

📍 Note: Medicaid programs vary by state. Your income, resources, and age all affect what you qualify for. I’m here to help you navigate your options.

🛠️ Programs That Help Pay Medicare Costs

💊 LIS – Extra Help for Prescriptions

Helps reduce your Part D (prescription drug) costs.

• Lower monthly premiums

• Reduced copays and no donut hole

• Available year-round

💸 Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)

🔄 How Medicare & Medicaid Work Together

If you’re dual eligible, Medicaid may pay for costs Medicare doesn’t—like:

• Doctor and hospital copays

• Monthly Medicare premiums

• Prescription costs

• Dental, vision, transportation, or home care (depending on your state)

You may also qualify for a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), which bundles benefits for Medicare and Medicaid enrollees.

🧭 Additional Support Programs

🧑‍⚕️ SHIP – State Health Insurance Assistance Program

Provides free, unbiased help for people with Medicare.
SHIP counselors can assist you with:

• Understanding your coverage

• Comparing plan options

• Solving billing or claims issues

• Avoiding late penalties

💡 Every state has a SHIP office. I can help connect you directly to your local team.

📋 What You May Need to Apply

• Social Security card

• Medicare card

• Proof of income (bank statements, benefit letters, pay stubs)

• Insurance policy information

• Proof of residence

🤝 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Each program has its own guidelines—and those vary by state. I’ll help you:

• Understand what you qualify for

• Walk through the steps to apply

• Choose a plan that works with your benefits