How do I Get Extra Help in Paying a Medicare Insurance Premium From Tennessee?
Medicare, the health insurance program for the elderly and disabled, helps many people access the health care they need. However, some people just don't have sufficient income to keep up with all of the premiums and other costs associated with Medicare. Fortunately, there are several programs that can help, including Extra Help, a federal program that is available to Tennessee Medicare beneficiaries.
Instructions
1. Meet the Extra Help income guidelines. Extra Help is a program that will help pay for some of your Part D costs, including the premium. The Social Security Administration set the income limits at $1,354 for singles and $1,844 for those who are married, as of 2010. If you are above these numbers, apply anyway. Some income is not counted, such as earned income from your job.
2. Compare your assets to the Extra Help asset requirements. Things such as cars, bank accounts and property count as assets. In 2010, Extra Help allows no more than $12,510 in assets for single people and $25,010 in assets for those who are married. If you have more assets than the limit, apply anyway. Some assets are not counted, including the house you live in.
3. Apply for the Tennessee Medicaid program, TennCare. If your assets fall far below the limits for Extra Help, not only can you get help with your Part D premium, you can get many additional Medicare benefits through TennCare, including coverage of your Part B premium. If you qualify for TennCare, you are automatically enrolled in Extra Help. If you are single, your income should be below $674 per month, as of 2010, or if you are married it should be below $1,011. Apply directly through your local Department of Human Services or on the TennCare website. A caseworker can help you if you have trouble.
4. Apply for one of Tennessee's Medicare Savings Programs. If you don't quite qualify for Medicaid but you are still below the Extra Help qualifications, one of the Medicare Savings Programs may be a good option. Medicare Savings Programs help pay the Part B premium, and if you are enrolled, you are automatically enrolled in Extra Help. In 2009, if your monthly income was between $903 and $1,218 if you were single and between $1,214 and $1,640 if you were married, you would have qualified. Get help applying from the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program by calling 877-801-0044.
5. Call the Tennessee Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to see if there are additional ways to qualify. This program is offered by the state of Tennessee in order to offer advice and counseling for those with questions about Medicare. The Tennessee SHIP is the source for all of the latest updates and information concerning eligibility and about how income and assets are counted. SHIP counselors may also be able to help you apply for Extra Help. Call the SHIP at 877-801-0044.
6. Apply for Extra Help in order to get help paying for the Medicare Part D prescription drug premium. If you are not qualified for a Medicare Savings Program or TennCare, or if you simply do not wish to apply for these programs, you can apply directly to Extra Help. Apply on the Social Security Administration's website or request an application by calling 800-772-1213.
Tags: Extra Help, Medicare Savings, Medicare Savings Programs, Part premium, Savings Programs
