Resource Directory Results
How to Print your Search Results
To Print a Single Resource – Click the “Print Resource” link within the resource listing to view a printer-friendly page. When the page opens, right-click within the page and select “Print”.
To Print Multiple Resources – First, select specific resources for your list by checking the “Add to List” box next to each resource. Or, to print all the resources shown on the page, check the “Add All To Print List” box. Next, click “Print List” to generate a printer-friendly PDF document. You can then print the document or save it to your computer.
NOTE: Remember to print your list before you leave this page. Checked items will be lost if you leave this page.
Lesson 10: Help with Medical and Drug Costs
Help with Medical and Drug Costs
You may be eligible to save money on medical and drug costs with these programs:
- Medicare Savings Program
- Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program
- Pharmaceutical Assistance Program
- Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
- Medicaid
Other Ways to Lower Your Prescription Drug Costs
- Look into generic drugs. Ask your doctor if there are generics that will work as well as your current prescriptions.
- Ask your doctor about less expensive brand-name drugs.
- Consider using mail-order pharmacies.
- Use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare Medicare drug plans to find a plan with lower costs.
(Source: Medicare)
Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy
Description:
If you are able to get Medicare's Part D drug coverage, and have limited income and savings, you may be able to get "Extra Help" from the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS/Extra Help). This program provides help to pay for your Pard D premiums, deductibles, and prescription co-payments. Extra Help has three levels of help. How much assistance you get depends on your income and resources.
How to Apply for Extra Help
Some people do not need to apply for Extra Help. If you are already enrolled in Medicaid, SSI or a Medicare Savings Program (except QDWI), you automatically get Extra Help.
Call Council on Aging for assistance with applications: (513) 721-1025, apply online at Social Security or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone or get a paper application. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.
Medicare.gov
Lawerence KS 66044
Description:
Medicare.gov has all of the information and tools you need for questions or help with Medicare. You can:
- enroll in Medicare online
- compare and enroll in Medicare health or prescription plans
- find and compare doctors
- check to see if a test or service is covered by Medicare
- chat with a Medicare representative
- research and compare nursing homes and home health agencies
- get extra help with medical and prescription drug costs
- get a new Medicare card
Medicare Nursing Home Compare
Use the site to obtain a free copy of A Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home.You can search the site to obtain and compare nursing home information from all parts of the country, including their performance at their last Medicare state survey.
Medicare Plan Finder
Not all Medicare Advantage Plans work the same way, so before you join, take the time to find and compare Medicare Health Plans in your area.
Use Medicare's Plan Finder to find and compare Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans available in your area. Have the enrollee's zip code ready.
You can get help from your state paying your Medicare premiums. In some cases, Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments if you meet certain conditions.
Medicare Savings Programs
There are four kinds of Medicare Savings Programs
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
If you have income from working, you may qualify for SLMB benefits even if your income is higher than these limits. - Qualified Individual (QI) Program
You must apply every year for QI benefits. QI applications are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to people who got QI benefits the previous year. (You can't get QI benefits if you qualify for Medicaid). - Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program
The QDWI program helps pay the Part A premium. You may qualify if any of the following apply to you:
Are a working disabled person under 65
Lost your premium-free Medicare Part A when you went back to work
Aren't getting medical assistance from your state
Meet the income and resource limits required by your state
How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs
Many people do not know or understand if they qualify for Medicare Savings Programs. Council on Aging can help. Call us at 513-721-1025 for help in determining your eligibility.
If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program in your state, you automatically qualify to get Extra Help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Patient Assistance Programs
Description:
Many drug manufacturers have programs that help people with limited incomes afford their medicines. these are called "Patient Assistance Program or PAPs. Through these programs, many drug manufacturers offer the drugs they make for free, or at a discount.
Most PAPs are for people who can't afford their drugs and don't have other drug coverage. Several PAPs help people in Medicare Part D plans who are not eligible for LIS/Extra Help.
Call 1-888-477-2669 to learn if you qualify and if your prescription may be available for free or at a low-cost fee.
Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
Baltimore MD 21244
Description:
Some drug companies have Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (PAPs) that help people pay for the drugs they make. Use Medicare's search tool to find out more about PAPs and see if any programs are available for the drugs you're taking. Have a list of your drugs available.
State Pharmceutical Assistance Programs
Description:
Some states have State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs) that help people pay for prescription drug based on financial need, age, or medical condition.
How to Apply for SPAPs
Each SPAP has different rules about eligibility, how to apply, and how it works with Medicare prescription drug coverage. Use Medicare's search tool to find State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs your state. There are currently no programs in Ohio.