Senior News
Roosevelt County Aging Services wants to let seniors know about three different programs to help with Medicare costs.
First, there is Social Security Extra Help, it helps with the cost of your Medicare part D (prescriptions) premium, deductible and copays. Second, is Big Sky Rx which will pay up to $41.50 towards your 2026 Part D premium. Third, is the Medicare Savings Program which (depending on which MSP) can help with Medicare premiums, deductibles and copays.
Social Security Extra Help is run by the Social Security Administration. The income limit for Social Security Extra Help is $23,475 for a single person or $31,725 for a couple. The asset limit for a single person is up to $17,600 or $35,130 for a couple. Your home, vehicle, and personal possessions do not count as assets. Assets include checking or saving accounts, IRAs, stocks, bonds, or other properties. If you qualify for Extra Help, depending on the plan, you can have a $0 (or reduced) premium, $0 deductible, and it will reduce your generic medication cost to no greater than $4.90 and brand name medication no greater than $12.65.
The Big Sky RX Program is run by the State of Montana and is funded through Montana tobacco tax revenue. It helps by paying up to $41.50 towards your Medicare Part D premium. The yearly income limit for Big Sky Rx is $31,300 for a single person or $42,300 for a couple per year. Big Sky Rx does not count assets.
The three Medicare Savings Programs are run by the Montana Office of Public Assistance. The first is the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program. To qualify for this program, your income must be at or below $1,305 if single or $1,763 if married. Your resources must be at or below $9,660 if single or $14,470 if married. This program will cover your Medicare Part A monthly premium (if you have one), hospital deductibles, & hospital co-pays. It will also cover your Medicare Part B monthly premium, annual deductible and the Medicare Part B 20 percent co-insurance.
The second MSP is the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program. To qualify for this program, your income must be at or below $1,506 if single or $2,044 if married. Your resources must be at or below $9,430 if single or $14,130 if married. This program covers your Medicare Part B monthly premium.
The third MSP is the Qualifying Individual. To qualify for this program your income must be at or below $1,761 if single or $2,380 if married. Your resources must be at or below $9,660 if single or $14,470 if married. This program covers your Part B monthly premium, but you cannot be eligible for other Medicaid assistance. This program is on a first-come, first-served basis.
If any of these programs sound like something you would like to discuss further, call Roosevelt County Aging Services at 406-653-6221 to make an appointment with Julie or Alyssa.
