From the CapitalGazette.com in Maryland, help for over-65’s on Medicare premiums and co-pays, and also medications:
“Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any programs that you know of that help seniors with their Medicare expenses? I’m 67 and live primarily on my Social Security, and am having a hard time paying my Medicare premiums, deductibles, co-pays and prescription drug costs. — Need Some Help
“Dear Need, There are several financial assistance programs that can help Medicare beneficiaries who are having a tough time paying their out-of-pocket health care costs. Here’s what’s offered, along with the eligibility requirements and how to apply.
“Let’s start with a program that helps lower-income Medicare beneficiaries pay premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Parts A and B. It’s called the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), and it has several different benefit levels for people with different financial resources. At its most generous the program will pay your Part B premium and pretty much all your Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. At its least generous the program will pay just your Part B premium. …
“To help you find out if you’re eligible for these programs, use the National Council on Aging web-based tool at benefitscheckup.org…. ” Jim Miller, Savvy Senior: Assistance programs that help seniors with health care costs, CapitalGazette.com: Savvy Senior, Sept. 15, 2013.
