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Cost Saving Workshop for Medicare Beneficiaries, February 11, 20
SENIORS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR HELP WITH PRESCRIPTION COSTS AND DONT KNOW IT!
There are thousands of seniors and adults with disabilities who have Medicare that are struggling to pay for their prescription costs and are not aware that there is help available. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that administers Medicare, there are approximately 1,500 Medicare beneficiaries in Butte County who may be eligible for help to reduce their prescription and medical costs.
Recent changes in the law have made it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to become eligible for extra help, also known as Low Income Subsidy (LIS), to reduce Medicares prescription plans (PART D) premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. LIS is administered by the Social Security Administration. Income limits are $1354/month if single, and $1821/month for a couple. Resources cannot exceed $12,510 for single, and $25,010 for a couple.
In addition, eligibility for another federal benefit which is administered by local counties has improved. This benefit is called the Medicare Savings Program, (QMB) and it helps reduce eligible individuals Medicare Part B costs, such as medical premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Income limits are $1805/month if single, and $2428/month for a couple. Resources cannot exceed $6,600 if single and $9910 for a couple. Other allowances may be possible. This benefit could save each beneficiary $1,300 or more this year.
PASSAGES Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) will be holding workshops for eligible people to enroll in these benefits. They will be held:
Thursday Feb 11, 2-4 PM, CARD Center, 545 Vallombrosa Ave, Chico
Wednesday Feb 17, 1-4 PM, Red Buff Senior Center, 1500 South Jackson St., Red Bluff, CA
FOR A RESERVATION CALL 800-434-0222 OR 530-898-6716.
PASSAGES believes that being able to reduce costs for prescriptions and Medicare costs, is an important way to help maintain independence of seniors, caregivers and adults with disabilities, so that one doesnt have to choose between food and needed medications. For more information or an application, call 1-800-434-0222 or go to http://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html.
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