Medicare Cost Assistance
In North Carolina, there are programs that help low-income individuals with their Medicare costs.
Depending on the program, financial assistance is determined by need, which is based on income & assets.
An individual may be able to get assistance with prescription drug costs, the Part B monthly premium, coinsurances, copayments and deductibles.
Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)
Extra help, aka low-income subsidy (LIS) is cost assistance for low-income Medicare enrollees to help with prescription drug costs (premiums, deductibles and copays).
Individuals may apply online or contact the enrollee’s county Social Security Administration (SSA) Office.
Medicare Savings Program
An individual may be able to get help from the State in paying their Medicare Part B premium.
In some cases, the Medicare Savings Program may also pay Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, if you meet certain criteria.
There are 4 types of Medicare Savings Programs.
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Specified Low-Income Beneficiary (SLMB)
- Qualifying Individual (QI)
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI)
If you qualify for a QMB, SLMB, or QI program, you also will qualify for Extra Help (LIS).