Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare is expensive and Medicare Savings Programs can help you save money on your healthcare costs – allowing you to buy the other things you need. You could save over $1,700 per year!
If you are eligible, these programs can help you by:
- Paying the standard $148.50 for your Medicare Part B premiums so that you have more money in your Social Security checks
- Paying for Medicare Part A premiums and deductibles (stricter eligibility requirements)
- Connecting you to the Extra Help program, which provides help with prescription drug costs
To find out if you're eligible, sign up to have a Florida SHINE counselor contact you.
Florida SHINE counselors are free and unbiased. They can help you find out if you’re eligible for Medicare Savings Programs and they can also help you apply.
You can call 1-800-963-5337 to speak with a SHINE counselor today.
The Florida SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program provides free and unbiased insurance counseling. SHINE counselors are not affiliated with any insurance company and will not attempt to sell you insurance. SHINE counseling records are strictly confidential.
AARP Foundation is working with the Florida SHINE program to help more adults save on Medicare costs. Learn more about the Florida SHINE program here.
About Medicare Savings Programs
What are Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)?
MSPs can help you cover your Medicare costs
MSPs include three different programs, each with different eligible income limits and different levels of coverage. All three MSPs cover your Medicare Part B Premiums, which means your Social Security check will increase by the amount you’re currently paying for Medicare Premiums. For more information, click here.
Eligibility & Application
A SHINE Counselor can help you determine your eligibility
Eligibility for MSPs depends on your income and assets, but some income can be deducted and some assets, like your house, aren’t included. When you meet with a SHINE counselor, they will walk through the eligibility criteria step by step.
When you meet with a SHINE counselor, it will be helpful to have your important documents ready. This could include:
- Social Security card
- Medicare card
- Birth certificate, passport, or green card
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill
- Proof of income, such as a Social Security Administration award letter, pay stub, or income tax return
- Information about assets, such as bank statements or life insurance policies
