Does Medicare offer any financial assistance for seniors? My parent, whose only income comes from Social Security survivor benefits, is having a hard time paying Medicare costs.

There are several financial assistance programs that can help Medicare beneficiaries who are having a difficult time paying their out-of-pocket health care costs. Here is what is available, along with the eligibility requirements and how to apply. 

Medicare Savings Programs

Let us start with a program that helps pay premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Parts A and B. It is called the “Medicare Savings Program,” and it has several different benefit levels based on an individual’s income and asset level. At the most generous level, the program covers your Part A and Part B premiums along with nearly all your Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. At a minimum level, the program will only cover either the Part A or Part B premium.

To qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, the income limits vary. Depending on the specific program, the income limits range from about 100% of the federal poverty level (plus a small allowance) up to 135% of the federal poverty level. For 2025, the 135% income threshold is about $1,781 per month for individuals ($2,400 for married couples) in most states. Income includes payouts from 401(k) plans, pensions, Social Security and help from family members.

Medicare also allows states to impose an asset limit, which can be as low as $9,660 per individual ($14,470 for married couples). Some assets are excluded from the calculation including your primary residence, one car and household goods. However, retirement savings and bank accounts are included in the total.

Some states have made their Medicare Savings Programs more generous, with higher allowable income limits and, in some cases, no asset limits. The program may also go by a different name in those states. To find out if you qualify or how to apply, contact your state Medicare program. Visit Medicare.gov or call 800-633-4227 for contact information.

Medication Assistance

For help with Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plan costs, there is a separate low-income subsidy program that your parent may be eligible for called Extra Help. To qualify, your parent may apply online, over the phone or at their local Social Security office.

Depending on income level, this program will pay part or all of their Part D prescription drug plan’s monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. In 2025, individuals with a yearly income below $23,475 ($31,725 for a married couple), and assets under $17,600 ($35,130 for a married couple) can qualify for Extra Help.

If your parent is eligible for a Medicare Savings Program, they will likely qualify for Extra Help. However, because the requirements between the two programs are slightly different, even if your parent does not qualify for a Medicare Savings Program for Part B, they may still be able to get Extra Help for Part D. For more information or to apply, visit SSA.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help or call Social Security at 800-772-1213.

Other Programs

Depending on your parent’s income level, needs and location there may be other financial assistance programs that can help like Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and many others.

To help you find out what types of assistance programs your parent may be eligible for, and to learn how to apply for them, go to BenefitsCheckUp.org. This is a free, confidential website hosted by the National Council on Aging that contains information on various programs.

It is also possible to get help in person at one of the 87 Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs) located across 38 states. Visit NCOA.org/article/meet-our-benefits-enrollment-centers to locate a center in your area. Or call their helpline at 800-794-6559.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product.  These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics.  Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.