SC Thrive is partnering with AARP Foundation to get the word out about a number of the MSPs that can save low-income Medicare beneficiaries more than $7,000 a year in out-of-pocket health care costs.
Depending upon which program enrollees qualify for, their monthly Part B monthly premium — $170.10 in 2022 — can be paid for, as well as other out-of-pocket copays and coinsurance charges. Part B covers doctor visits, diagnostic tests and other outpatient services. People who qualify for one of the MSPs can also enroll in another program called Extra Help, which helps pay for Part D prescription drug plan premiums and copays.
“These programs put money back in people’s pockets that can help them afford healthier foods, afford health care and really secure the essentials — which is what we’re about at the foundation,” says Nicole Heckman, AARP Foundation’s director of benefits access.
In an effort to remove barriers to people’s ability to participate in the Medicare Savings Programs, AARP Foundation has started an outreach campaign and is funding local organizations like SC Thrive in an effort to make more people aware of the MSPs. The campaign has started in three states (Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina), and the foundation hopes to expand it in the coming months. To find out if you qualify for these programs, call AARP Foundation at 855-510-2107 and you will be directed to a resource in your state that can answer questions and help you apply. Each state also has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with counselors who can walk Medicare beneficiaries through the steps to apply for an MSP.
In her outreach work, Tyler visits senior centers, houses of worship, farmers markets, barber shops and beauty salons — anywhere older folks congregate. She even stops by doctors’ offices to spread the word. “If I can take one person’s stress away, I feel I’ve done my good deed for the day,” she says.
“At SC Thrive, our mission is to take our patrons from crisis to self-sustainability,” Tyler explains. “We want to make sure people know about the benefits and the resources.” She says she doesn’t want older Americans to have to decide whether they can pay for food and insurance or get their medications.
More than 10 million Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in an MSP. Over the years, studies have shown that many more enrollees are unaware that they might qualify for such assistance.
Whether someone qualifies for an MSP varies by state, and there are income asset thresholds. In general, an individual’s monthly income cannot exceed $1,549, and a married couple’s income cannot be higher than $2,080. In addition, an individual’s assets cannot be greater than $8,400, and a married couple’s assets cannot exceed $12,600.
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