How do I Find Help Paying for What Medicare Does Not?
- 1). Apply for Medicare assistance programs. First, apply for the federal program called Extra Help. Extra Help is offered by the Social Security Administration and assists Medicare beneficiaries with the costs of Part D. You should also apply for Medicare Savings Programs that are available through your state's Medicaid offices and any state pharmaceutical assistance programs in your state. These programs pay for premiums, deductibles and coinsurance, freeing up your out-of-pocket costs so that you can put them toward non-Medicare covered services.
- 2). Apply for Medicaid. If you have a low income, you may qualify for your state's Medicaid program, and Medicare beneficiaries may enroll. Medicaid offers many benefits that Medicare does not, including dental care and other services depending on your state's program. Apply through your state health and human services department.
- 3). Purchase additional insurance. First, consider buying a Medigap. A Medigap is a supplemental insurance policy that you can purchase to work with your original Medicare plan. Medigap policies cover many services that Medicare typically does not. Contact your Department of Insurance to find out whether they are available in your area, and what services are covered. If you require long term care that is not covered by Medicare, you may still qualify for purchasing long term care insurance.
- 4). Switch to Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage is an alternative to the original Medicare that you receive directly from the government. Medicare Advantage plans are available from private insurance companies. Switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that offers additional Medicare coverage.
- 5). Visit a reduced-cost or a free clinic. Federally Qualified Health Centers can give those with Medicare certain preventive services that Medicare currently does not cover at little to no cost. Community Health Centers can also service Medicare beneficiaries for non-covered services at a reduced-cost or even for free. Community Health Centers are federally funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
