StrokeSurvivorBlog

Medical costs associated with a stroke and stroke recovery may be daunting, but there is financial help available for caregivers of stroke survivors.

We had financial help available to us because even though Steve was too young to be eligible for Medicare when he had his stroke, he was receiving Medicare Disability for the last nine years due to a disabling heart condition. And he also has a MediGap policy that supplements Medicare and covers almost all of his medical expenses. But not everyone is so fortunate.

I belong to a caregivers stroke support group, and the stories I hear are heartbreaking because many of the stroke survivors are too young for Medicare. Many have lost their jobs and insurance benefits and they depend on their working spouses. It’s hard for caregivers to handle all the duties of caregiving and to find the financial help they need. So below I added some resources to Medicare and Medicaid that offer financial help for caregivers who are struggling to pay the bills.

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Learn About Medicare Savings Program (MSPs)

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help millions of people with Medicare save money each year. States have programs for people with limited income and resources that pay some or all of Medicare’s premiums and may pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. Learn about the financial support programs in your state.

Apply for Extra Help

If you have Medicare and have limited income and resources, you may qualify for extra help paying for your prescription drugs. If you qualify, you could pay between $1-$5 for each drug. Contact Social Security by visiting Social Security Site or by calling 1-800-772-1213. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778. .

Look into Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

Many of the major drug manufacturers are offering assistance programs for people enrolled in Medicare Part D. You can find out whether a Patient Assistance Program is offered by the manufacturers of the drugs you take by visiting our Pharmaceutical Assistance Program site.

Look at State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

There are 21 states and one territory offering help paying drug plan premiums and/or other drug costs. You can find out if your State has a program by visiting our State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program site.

Explore National and Local Charitable Programs

Benefits Check Up: Created by the National Council on the Aging (NCOA) this free, easy-to-use web site helps older Americans identify their eligibility for a wide range of public assistance programs. It compares the information you give with eligibility requirements for Social Security, Medicaid, Food Stamps, Weatherization, in-home services, pharmacy programs, and state programs. A printable report of programs and enrollment information is available. 

GovBenefits.gov

GovBenefits.gov is a partnership of Federal agencies designed to provide improved, personalized access to government assistance programs.

Apply for Medicaid

Apply for Medicaid. Medicaid is a state administered program available to certain low-income individuals and families. Each state sets its own guidelines regarding Medicaid eligibility and services, but in general, people who match one of these descriptions may be eligible:

* Aged (65 years old or older), blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources

* Terminally ill and want to get hospice services

* Aged, blind, or disabled; live in a nursing home; and have limited income and resources

* Aged, blind, or disabled and need nursing home care, but can stay at home with special community care services

* Eligible for Medicare and have limited income and resources

* The parent or guardian of a child who is 18 years old or younger and your family’s income is limited, or if your child is sick enough to need nursing home care, but could stay home with good quality care at home

* Facing very high medical bills, which you cannot pay (and you are pregnant, under age 18 or over age 65, blind, or disabled)

Even if you are not sure whether you qualify, if you or someone in your family needs health care, you should apply for Medicaid and have a qualified caseworker in your state evaluate your financial situation.

Contact Information for State Medicaid Offices