Some Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for help with Medicare costs through the Medicare Savings Program, Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) through DSHS, or the federal Extra Help (LIS) program. This page is an educational overview only. Eligibility is determined by the state and federal agencies that administer these programs.
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Important
Health Insurance Options LLC is a licensed independent insurance agency. We do not determine eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, or Extra Help, and we cannot guarantee that you will qualify for, save money through, or receive benefits from any government program. Final eligibility decisions are made by Washington state agencies and the federal government.
The programs below are administered by Washington state and the federal government, not by an insurance agency. Each has its own rules for income, resources, and benefits. The summaries here are general and educational.
Medicare Savings Programs are state-administered programs that may help certain people with limited income and resources pay some Medicare costs, such as Part B premiums and, in some cases, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. There are different MSPs with different rules. Eligibility and benefits are determined by the state of Washington, not by an insurance agency.
Some Medicare beneficiaries may also qualify for Medicaid (Washington Apple Health) through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or the Health Care Authority. People who have both Medicare and Medicaid are sometimes called dual eligible. Medicaid eligibility and benefits in Washington are determined by the state.
Extra Help, also known as the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration that may help certain people with limited income and resources pay for Medicare prescription drug (Part D) costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Eligibility is determined by Social Security and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The agencies below are the official starting points for applications and unbiased counseling in Washington. We encourage you to contact them directly to learn whether you may qualify.
Washington Apple Health and Medicare Savings Program applications in Washington are handled by Washington Healthplanfinder and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
Visit Washington Healthplanfinder ↗Extra Help applications are handled by the Social Security Administration. You can apply online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
Apply for Extra Help at SSA.gov ↗Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is Washington's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIBA volunteers offer free, unbiased Medicare counseling, including help with low-income assistance programs.
Visit Washington SHIBA ↗We cannot decide whether you qualify for Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or Extra Help — those decisions are made by the state and federal agencies that run those programs. What we can do is explain how Medicare works alongside these programs and help you review the Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D options from the plans we represent.
Have questions about prescriptions or pharmacies? Our prescription drug review and Medicare Part D pages explain how drug coverage works.
Continue reviewing your Medicare options with these related Spokane resources.
Learn how Medicare prescription drug coverage works, including formularies and preferred pharmacies.
Visit page →Bring your medication list to review how prescriptions and pharmacies may affect your coverage.
Visit page →Review Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D, and other coverage paths through the plans we represent.
Visit page →Review your current Medicare coverage with a local licensed agent before the next plan year.
Visit page →Request an in-person or phone consultation with a local licensed insurance agent.
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