Medicare for Low-Income Individuals
Many American’s, in or approaching the Medicare age eligibility, may be concerned that they may not be able to cover the remaining costs under certain Medicare plans. These extra costs include premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance not covered under Part D. For these individuals seeking a little “extra help” the government has approved a subsidy program with just that namesake.
What is Medicare Extra Help?
“The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA), established the Medicare Prescription Drug Program, also known as Medicare Part D, making prescription drug coverage available to Medicare beneficiaries. The new program went into effect on January 1, 2006. The MMA also provides for extra help (a subsidy) with prescription drug costs for eligible individuals whose income and resources are limited. This help takes the form of subsidies paid by the Federal government to the drug plan in which the Medicare beneficiary enrolls.”1 “The Extra Help is a program to help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare prescription drug program costs, like premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.”2
Qualifying for Extra Help
The MMA breaks down the qualifying for the Extra Help subsidy in to two categories those who “must apply” and those who are in the group as “Deemed Eligible”. Simply put, those in the “must apply” category are those that are not currently under another approved subsidy program and must apply for the Extra Help program directly. The “Deemed Eligible” group consists of those currently receiving an approved subsidy program such as Medicaid.3
Arizonans on AHCCCS are “Deemed Eligible” for Medicare Extra Help
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona’s Medicaid program. Individuals that are currently approved for AHCCCS are deemed eligible for the Medicare Extra Help program. If you are approaching the age of 65 or are currently 65 or older and would like to discuss options to receive the Medicare Extra Help subsidy we invite you to give us a call.
CSG Medicare Pros Assists Those on AHCCCS with Finding the Right Medicare Plan
CSG Medicare Pros, Qualified and Licensed Medicare Brokers
CSG Medicare Pros agents are experienced and licensed specializing in Medicare Health Insurance providing Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Prescription (Part D) plans. We serve Medicare recipients in every county in Arizona including in the cities of Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Apache Junction, Gilbert, Tucson, Kingman, Bullhead City, Prescott, Flagstaff, Yuma, Sierra Vista and more. CSG Medicare Insurance Agents are independent, licensed and appointed with multiple insurance carriers to give you a wide variety of choice. For more information, call (480) 635-4050 or (928) 263-8500.
1,3 https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Eligibility-and-Enrollment/LowIncSubMedicarePresCov/ Downloads/StateLISGuidance021009.pdf
2 https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/find-your-level-of-extra-help-part-d