Skip to main content

Helping Lower-Income Adults Afford Medicare: National and State by State Facts

5 min read

Benefits outreach and enrollment works. Check out our state-specific numbers.

Federal funding helps community organizations connect low-income older adults and people with disabilities to benefits that can make health care and other essential expenses more affordable. These programs can have a life-changing impact, helping people access the support they need to live with greater financial security and dignity.

How benefits enrollment changed Dora’s life

At 68, Dora was living on just $430 a month from her husband’s Social Security. Medicare was deducting $165 a month for the Part B premium. That left Dora just $265 a month to cover rent, utilities, food, and all her other daily expenses.

A benefits counselor at the Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York helped Dora apply for Medicare Savings Program, which will save her $1,979 in 2024. The counselor also helped Dora apply for an affordable unit at a senior housing complex. Today, Dora has the support she needs to live with the dignity and security she deserves. 

These efforts demonstrate the difference that benefits outreach can make, but more work remains to ensure eligible people receive the assistance available to them. Explore the national and state fact sheets below to see how many people have been connected to benefits, where additional outreach is needed, and why continued investment matters. 

How benefits enrollment helps older adults nationwide

Nationally, 4.8 million lower-income older adults were connected to benefits in 2024-2025, but continued federal funding is needed to reach many of the estimated 20.3 million Medicare beneficiaries who are living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Download our National Fact Sheet.

Explore state fact sheets: Benefits enrollment by state

The State Fact Sheets below, where each link is a downloadable PDF, demonstrate how federal funding supports efforts to connect low-income older adults and people with disabilities to Medicare Savings Programs and other critical benefits in their state. 

Advocate for MIPPA Funding

Millions of people can't afford their Medicare out-of-pocket costs. There are programs to help, but few people know about them or how to enroll. Thanks to efforts from aging network advocates, funding for the program was saved; but only until Dec. 31, 2024. After more than a decade of success, It's time to make the program permanent.

Advocates nearing Capitol Hill

Get NCOA in Your Inbox

Free tips on health, benefits and money, plus updates on aging policy and events. Check all that apply so we send what's most useful to you.

This field is required.
This field is required.
Please enter a valid email address.

By signing up, you agree to receive emails from the National Council on Aging (NCOA). You can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of any email. Read our privacy policy.

Back to Top