If your elderly parent cannot afford to pay Medicare premiums and other medical costs, you may be able to get help from your state. States offer programs for people who are entitled to Medicare and have low income. The programs may pay some or all of Medicare's premiums and also may pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. To qualify, you must have Part A (hospital insurance), a limited income, and, in most states, your resources, such as bank accounts, stocks and bonds, must not be more than $4,000 for a single person or $6,000 for a couple. (income limits change periodically. For the most up-to-date numbers, visit the Medicare.gov website)
If you are not sure if your eldelry mom or dad has Part A, look on their red, white, and blue Medicare card. It will show "Hospital (Part A)" on the lower left corner of the card. If you are still not sure, you can call Social Security toll-free.
You can go online to get more information about these programs from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website. Visit www.medicare.gov and request If you need help paying Medicare costs, there are programs that can help you save money.
Only your state can decide if your senior parents qualifies for help under these programs. To find out, contact your state or local medical assistance (Medicaid) agency, social services, or welfare office.
Caregivers and their parents may also be able to get extra help paying for the annual deductibles, monthly premiums and prescription co-payments related to the Medicare prescription drug program (Part D). Your parent may qualify for extra help if he or she has limited income (tied to federal poverty level) and limited resources. These income and resource limits change each year.
If you have both Medicaid with prescription drug coverage and Medicare, Medicare and Supplemental Security Income, or if your state pays for your Medicare premiums, you automatically will get this extra help and you won't need to apply.
For more information about getting help with your prescription drug costs, call Social Security's toll-free number: 1-800-772-1233, or visit online at Social Security's website.
The Social Security Administration delivers services through a nationwide network of over 1,400 offices that include regional offices, field offices, card centers, teleservice centers, processing centers, hearing offices, the Appeals Council, and State and territorial partners, the Disability Determination Services. The administration also has a presence in U.S. embassies around the globe.