NEW GUIDELINES HELP SENIORS LOWER THEIR MEDICARE COSTS
On January 1, 2020 the income and asset limits for the Medicare Savings Programs, also called Mass Health Buy-In, increased. It’s estimated that an additional 40,000 people across the commonwealth will now qualify for programs that will pay their Medicare Part B premium and in some cases their Part A and B deductibles, co-pays and Part A premium (if they have one). In addition, they will automatically receive Extra Help, a program that will lower their Medicare Part D premium and co-pays.
Under the new limits, an individual with a monthly income of $1,738 or less, and assets valued at $15,720 less, will now qualify for the Medicare Savings Programs. Similarly, a married couple, with a monthly income of $2,346 or less, and assets valued at $23,600 or less, can also take advantage of these programs.
Those who qualify can also receive significant discounts on their prescription drugs through Extra Help. For example, a 30-day supply of a generic drug is now $3.60. Brand name drugs are only $8.95.
To learn more and to request an application, contact MassHealth at: 1-800-841-2900 or TTY at: 1-800-497-4648.
Applications are also available on-line at: https://tinyurl.com/MassMSP
If you live in the city of Boston, the SHINE program at Ethos can also assist you with the application process. Call 617-522-9270, email SHINE@ethocare.org or visit www.ethocare.org/shine for more information.
