Medicare Cost Assistance

In North Carolina, there are programs to help low-income individuals with their Medicare costs. There are several ways to obtain assistance.

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 premium, coinsurances, copayments and deductibles.

Extra Help

Extra Help, also referred to as 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 visit the enrollee’s county Social Security Administration (SSA)  office.

Click here for more information provided by SSA.

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. Read more…

  • 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 automatically qualify to for Extra Help (LIS).