Key Takeaways
Several core benefits can help low-income Medicare beneficiaries afford their healthcare, food, and prescriptions.
Learn the basics about how these benefits programs' eligibility and funding work in our cheat sheet.
This "cheat sheet" explains the way the core benefits for low-income people with Medicare are administered, and how basic eligibility is determined.
The charts explore which agencies (federal or state) fund the benefit and set eligibility criteria, and how the programs are delivered. Because some states set their own guidelines for programs, benefits counselors are encouraged to contact their state agency for specific guidance.
Benefits covered include:
- The Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy/Extra Help
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
This cheat sheet is updated annually following release of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.