Information for my situation

I need or get help with costs

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for help to pay for some health care and drug coverage costs.

• Get help with Part A and Part B costs – If you qualify for this help or Medicaid, you’ll automatically qualify for Extra Help to lower your Medicare Part D drug costs.
• Get details on cost saving programs – Find out if your state or the drug company offers help to lower drug costs, and see if you may qualify for Extra Help.
• Apply for Extra Help (at Social Security).

If you get Extra Help with Medicare drug costs:

We’ll mail you a letter telling you the level of help you’ll get. If you don’t have or don’t join a Medicare drug plan , we’ll put you in one so you can fill your prescriptions at the discounted cost.

If you don’t like that plan, you can switch to a different one. There are even plans just for people with both Medicare and Medicaid.

• Check when you can join or switch plans – You have more chances to join or switch plans if you have Medicaid, get Extra Help, or your state helps lower your drug costs.
• Find plans in my area.
• Review all letters we mail to people with Extra Help.

I have a disability or chronic condition

You might be able to join a type of Medicare Advantage Plan, called a “Special Needs Plan.” These plans tailor their benefits for people:

• With both Medicare and Medicaid
• That have a specific disease or condition (like diabetes, stroke, or chronic heart failure)
• That live in an institution (like a nursing home) or require nursing care at home

You can compare these plans with others in your area to find one that meets your needs.

• Get details about Special Needs Plans.
• Check when you can join or switch plans.
• Find plans in my area – Filter your plan results to find Special Needs Plans in your area.

I'm under 65 and have a disability. I'd like to go back to work. Can I keep my Medicare coverage?

Yes. You can keep your Medicare coverage for as long as you’re medically disabled. If you return to work, you won't have to pay your Part A premium for the first 8 1/2 years. After that, you might be able to buy Part A coverage and pay a monthly premium.

If you can't afford the Part A premium, you may be able to get help from your state. Get help with Part A and Part B costs.

Accessibility & nondiscrimination

You’re protected from discrimination. You can also get communications from us for free in accessible formats like Braille, large print, and more. If you ask for information in an accessible format, you’ll get extra time to take any action if there’s a delay in fulfilling your request.

• Request an accessible format or file a complaint.
• Get more details from the Office of Civil Rights.

What do you want to do next?

• Next Step: Get 5 tips for using Medicare
• Take Action: Talk to someone
• Get Details: Find savings programs