Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA)
The Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) program supports states and tribes through grants to provide outreach and assistance to eligible Medicare beneficiaries to apply for benefit programs that help to lower the costs of their Medicare premiums and deductibles.
DHSS receives a grant through the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to promote outreach and assistance for Medicare beneficiaries eligible for Medicare Part D Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs. This act also provides funding to promote Medicare Part D counseling and assistance in rural areas, as well as funding to promote preventive services covered by Medicare Part B.
DHSS contracts with eight Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) across the state to implement the MIPPA grant. These organizations promote Medicare Part D to rural areas, preventive services, Extra Help, and the Medicare Savings Program through many venues including health fairs, enrollment events, social media, and media outlets including television and newspapers, as well as provide information to Medicare beneficiaries who come into their office. AAAs provide assistance with applications for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help. To contact your local AAA, call the Senior Resource Line at 1-800-235-5503.
Receive help with Medicare Costs
Do you qualify? Ask yourself the following three questions.
Do you have Medicare?
If single, is your total monthly income less than $1,956? If married, is your total monthly income less than $2,644?
If single, are your total resources $16,100 or less? If marries, are your total resources $32,130 or less?
If you answered “Yes” to all three questions above, you may be eligible. See below for more details.
The Medicare Savings Programs Pay:
QMB – Part A Premium, Part A Coinsurance, Part B Premium, Part B Coinsurance, Parts A and B Deductible, Eligible for LIS.
SLMB - Part B Premium and Eligible for LIS.
QI - Part B Premium and Eligible for LIS
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
Monthly income – Single up to $1,325 and married up to $1,783
Resources – Single is $9,660 and married is $14,470
Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
Monthly income – Single up to $1,585 and married up to $2,135
Resources – Single is $9,660 and married is $14,470
Qualified individual (qi) Program
Monthly income - Single up to $1,781 and married up to $2,400
Resources – Single is $9,660 and married is $14,470
Low Income Subsidy/Extra Help Program Pays:
Full benefit for dual eligible beneficiaries (100% FPL or less) – Part D Monthly Premiums, Part D Deductibles and Part D Copayments are $4.50 for generic, $11.20 brand and catastrophic copay is $0.
Benefit for dual eligible beneficiaries (more than 100% FPL) or non-duals (up to 150% FPL) - Part D Monthly Premiums, Part D Deductibles and Part D Copayments are $4.90 for generic, $12.15 brand and catastrophic copay is $0.
Full Low Income Subsidy (LIS)/Extra Help
Monthly income – Single up to $1,304 and married up to $1,783
Resources – Single is $9,660 and married is $14,470
Non-dual Beneficiaries Benefit LIS/Extra Help
Monthly income – Single up to $1,956 and married up to $2,644
Resources – Single is $16,100 and married is $32,130
NOTE: Resources exclude your home, vehicle and personal possessions. Other exclusions may apply. If you are within the income guidelines, please contact your area agency on aging to determine resource exclusions. Resources do not include a $1,500 per person burial allowance.
Contact your local area agency on aging to complete an application to see if you qualify for savings- even if your income and resources may be higher than listed:
Definitions:
Coinsurance is the amount you pay as your share of the cost for your medical services after you meet your deductible.
Copayment is a set amount you may pay each time you get a medical service or supply.
Deductible is the amount you must pay for health care or prescriptions before your insurance begins to pay.
Premium is the monthly cost you pay for your coverage.
To contact your Local Area Agency on Aging Senior Resource Line at 1-800-235-5503 or on the web at https://www.ma4web.org/
Division of Senior and Disability Services at 573-526-4542
Department of Social Services Family Support Division at 1-855-373-4636
