SimpleMedicareChoices.com

Take a tour step by step or select a topic

Medicare Walk Through

Apply for Medicare Financial Assistance and Lower Your Costs

Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare Financial Assistance Programs You May Qualify For

1. Medicare Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)
Reduces or eliminates drug costs
Covers premiums, deductibles, copays

👉 Key fact:
Extra Help can reduce prescription costs to just a few dollars per medication

Apply For Extra Help

Most people on Medicare are paying more than they should—and don’t even realize help is available. If your monthly premiums, prescription costs, or out-of-pocket expenses feel too high, you may qualify for financial assistance programs designed to reduce or even eliminate those costs. Programs like Extra Help, Medicaid, and Medicare Savings Programs can significantly lower what you pay, but many people never apply simply because they don’t know where to start. This page will walk you through every available option, how to apply, and how to make sure you’re not overpaying.

2. Medicaid (Dual Eligibility) Can cover: premiums deductibles coinsurance Often unlocks D-SNP plans (huge for you)

QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) QI (Qualifying Individual) QDWI (rare but include for completeness) 👉 These programs can: Pay your Part B premium Reduce or eliminate medical bills

HOW TO LOWER PART B PREMIUMS

Your Part B premium is not fixed—you may qualify for help lowering or eliminating it.

You can reduce your Part B costs by:

  • Qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, QI)

  • Applying for Medicaid

  • Correcting income-related adjustments (IRMAA appeals)

  • Enrolling in assistance programs through your state

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs)

If your prescription drug costs feel overwhelming, you may have access to additional help through State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs). These are programs offered by certain states to help residents lower the cost of medications—often working alongside your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan.

SPAPs can provide assistance with monthly premiums, reduce copays at the pharmacy, or help cover medications that your current plan doesn’t fully pay for. The availability, income limits, and benefits vary by state, but for those who qualify, the savings can be significant.

Can a Medicare Advantage Plan Lower Your Part B Premium?

Some Medicare Advantage plans include a Medicare Part B premium reduction, sometimes called a Part B Giveback benefit. If available in your area, this type of plan may pay back part of your monthly Part B premium, helping reduce your overall Medicare costs. These plans are not offered everywhere, and the amount of the reduction can vary by plan. You must still stay enrolled in Medicare Part B to join and remain in the plan.

Can Veterans or TRICARE For Life Members Use Part B Giveback Plans?

In some cases, yes. Veterans with VA health benefits can enroll in Medicare, including Medicare Advantage, and may choose to do so for added flexibility and access to non-VA providers. People with TRICARE For Life must generally keep both Medicare Part A and Part B, but TRICARE says they do not lose TRICARE For Life if they join a Medicare Advantage plan. That means some people with VA benefits or TRICARE For Life may also be able to choose a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a Part B premium reduction and extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness, or prescription coverage, depending on the plan available where they live.

Most people don’t realize that plans with Part B premium reductions are only available in certain areas—and the savings can vary quite a bit depending on your ZIP code, income level, and current coverage. What works for one person may not be the best fit for someone else, especially if you’re coordinating benefits with VA coverage or TRICARE For Life.

Instead of trying to sort through dozens of plans on your own, it helps to review your options side by side—looking at your doctors, prescriptions, and total out-of-pocket costs, not just the premium reduction.

See If You Qualify for Part B Savings