Here's the short answer. Many people qualify for free programs that help pay for Medicare or Medicaid costs, but often don't know it. Programs like Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, Medicaid, and Marketplace tax credits can lower premiums, deductibles, and copays. A free SHIP counselor can help you find out which ones fit you.
Help Paying for Medicare: The Quick Answer
Four programs do most of the work. All are free to apply for, and income limits are higher than many people think:
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI): your state pays your Part B premium, and some levels also pay your deductibles and copays. Apply through your state Medicaid agency.
- Extra Help: lowers Part D prescription drug premiums, deductibles, and copays. Apply at ssa.gov/extrahelp or call 1-800-772-1213.
- Medicaid: full health coverage for people with low income, including long-term care. You can apply any time of year.
- Marketplace tax credits: if you're under 65 and don't have Medicare, these lower your monthly premium at HealthCare.gov.
Where to start: three steps to get help paying
- Check what you may qualify for. Use the short check on this page. It points you to the programs that may fit your income and coverage.
- Apply in the right place. For a Medicare Savings Program, apply through your state Medicaid agency. For Extra Help with drug costs, apply at ssa.gov/extrahelp or call 1-800-772-1213. For Marketplace tax credits, apply at HealthCare.gov.
- Get free help with the forms. A SHIP counselor can walk you through an application at no cost. They do not sell insurance. Find your local program at shiphelp.org.
You do not need to wait for open enrollment to ask for help. Applying costs nothing, and a "no" on one program does not stop you from trying another. Programs have different income limits, so check each one.
Free Advice & Counseling
Get free, unbiased counseling before you choose a plan. A counselor can help you understand your options.
SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
Free, one-on-one counseling about Medicare, Medicaid, and health coverage. SHIP counselors work for your state and are free to use. They don't sell anything and don't favor one plan. They can help you understand your options, compare plans, and fix coverage problems. Find your local program at shiphelp.org.
Medicare Help Line (Official)
1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE) | medicare.gov
Call this government line for free help about Medicare. They answer questions about benefits, enrollment deadlines, costs, and finding care. Medicare.gov also has tools to compare plans and step-by-step guides.
Area Agencies on Aging & Eldercare Locator
1-800-677-1116 | eldercare.acl.gov
Local programs that help older adults and caregivers find services and counseling. Call the Eldercare Locator or visit the website to find the program near you. Services vary by area but may include meals, transportation, legal help, and help applying for benefits.
Help With Medicare Costs
If you have Medicare and low income, you may qualify for programs that help pay your premiums (monthly costs), deductibles (amounts you pay before insurance helps), and other costs.
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)
Your State Medicaid Agency | medicaid.gov
State programs that help people pay for Medicare premiums (monthly costs), copayments (your share of bills), and deductibles (amounts you pay before insurance helps). These are Medicaid benefits, and income limits vary by state. You apply through your state Medicaid agency. If you qualify, the program pays your Part B premium (QMB also pays Part A if you have to buy it) and, at some levels, your deductibles and copays. Everyone in an MSP also automatically gets Extra Help with Part D costs. See how QMB, SLMB, and QI compare for what each tier actually pays.
PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)
A program for people 55 and older who need a nursing-home level of care but want to stay at home. PACE includes medical care, social services, and help with daily activities. It is not income-based: you can join with Medicare, Medicaid, or both (costs differ). Your state must certify the level of care need, and PACE is only offered in some areas. Check medicare.gov to see if PACE is near you.
Help With Prescription Drug Costs
If you have Medicare or are applying for coverage and have low income, you may get help paying for prescription drugs.
Extra Help / Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)
Social Security Administration (ssa.gov) | medicare.gov
A federal program that helps people with low income pay for Part D prescription drugs. You get help with premiums (monthly costs), deductibles, and copayments (your share). You can apply through Social Security Administration (ssa.gov) or Medicare.gov, or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. Income limits are higher than you might think — you may qualify.
Full guide: Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy): who qualifies and how to apply.
Full Health Coverage
If you don't have health insurance or want to pay less, these programs offer coverage for you and your family.
Medicaid
Your State Medicaid Agency | medicaid.gov
A federal-state program that pays for health care for people with low income. Medicaid covers doctor visits, prescription drugs, and long-term care. Eligibility and benefits vary by state, but all states must cover basic services. You can apply anytime during the year (not just during enrollment periods). Find your state agency using the state directory.
Health Insurance Marketplace Premium Tax Credits & Subsidies
If you buy insurance through the ACA Marketplace (HealthCare.gov), you may get tax credits that lower your monthly payment. You may also get cost-sharing reductions that lower your deductibles and copayments (your share of bills). Income limits are higher than you might think. Apply on HealthCare.gov during open enrollment or after a life change (like losing a job).
Find Out What You Qualify For
Benefits.gov — Benefits Screening Tool
A free government website that shows you what benefits you might qualify for. Answer a few questions about your household and income, and the tool will show you programs that could help — including Medicare savings programs, Medicaid, SNAP, utility help, and more.
What Happens Next?
- Get unbiased counseling first. Call SHIP (shiphelp.org) or your Area Agency on Aging. A counselor can explain your options at no cost.
- Check if you qualify. Use Benefits.gov, call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227, or call your State Medicaid agency.
- Apply for programs you qualify for. Applications are free and you can apply anytime. Have your income documents ready.
- Follow up. After applying, ask when to expect a decision and what you need to do if circumstances change.