Help with Medicare Costs
Extra Help Program for Prescriptions
If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help to assist in paying for your Part D drugs. Many people qualify for this Medicare program and don’t even know it. It helps pay some costs, such as these:
- Plan premiums
- Prescription deductibles
- Coverage gap
- Copays
- Coinsurance
To qualify for Extra Help you must be enrolled in a Part D prescription drug plan, live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia, and meet certain income and resource guidelines. Medicare members with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicare and Medicaid will automatically receive Extra Help.
To see if you qualify for Extra Help:
Call 1-800-MEDICARE
1-800-633-4227 (TTY: 1-877-486-2048)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or visit medicare.gov.
Call Social Security
1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Apply on the Social Security website.
PACE and PACENET
Pennsylvania has two prescription assistance programs for older adults. PACE and PACENET offer low-cost prescription medication to qualified residents age 65 and older.
To see if you qualify for PACE or PACENET:
Call the Pennsylvania Department of Aging at 1-800-225-7223 (TTY: 1-800-222-9004) weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or enroll online at pacecares.magellanhealth.com.
Medicaid
Medical Assistance (Medicaid) provides health coverage to millions of low-income individuals. It is administered by states according to federal requirements and is funded by states and the federal government together to make sure everyone can get the care they need. Medicaid is designed to cover almost all costs for those who need it most.
To see if you qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid):
Call Medical Assistance at 1-800-692-7462 (TTY: 1-800-451-5886) Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Veterans Affairs benefits
If you have served in the armed forces, you may have additional benefits provided to you by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
To see if you qualify for VA benefits:
Go to your local VA facility or apply online at VA.gov.