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Connecticut’s Medicare Savings Program Offers Big Savings for Enrollees

from: AARP Connecticut, June 3, 2011

Many seniors and individuals with disabilities who rely on Medicare may be eligible to save more than $1000 a year in monthly premiums and other costs by enrolling in the state’s expanded Medicare Savings Programs (MSP). These programs could help pay for your Medicare Part B premiums, deductibles and co-insurance. Thanks to recent changes in state law that raised the income-eligibility limits and eliminated the asset reporting requirement, changes that were strongly supported by AARP, more people are now eligible for MSP than ever before.

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If your monthly income is below $2091.67 for a single person or $2816.67 for a couple, you could qualify to have your Medicare Part B premium paid each month – a potential savings of more than $1000 per year! In addition, some enrollees will be covered for Medicare deductibles and co-insurance.

If you are on ConnPACE, your ConnPACE medical benefits will not be affected.

These changes were made possible by ConnPACE Plus legislation (H.B. 6146), authored by State Representative Linda Schofield (D-Simsbury), which increased the eligibility requirements for the federal Medicare Savings Program in Connecticut so that ConnPACE enrollees can qualify for the MSP.

By making current ConnPACE beneficiaries eligible for MSP, they will receive the following new benefits:

Medicare Part B premiums will be paid for, saving enrollees $1,000+ per year – a significant savings for seniors and people with disabilities living on fixed incomes.
Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy – prescription co-pays will be lowered from the current ConnPACE co-pay for generic and brand name drugs.
Some enrollees with very low incomes may qualify for additional benefits, such as having Medicare cover their deductibles and co-pays for physician and hospital visits.

Learn more about the Medicare Savings Program and find out if you qualify by contacting the CT CHOICES Program at 1-800-994-9422. They can help you obtain and fill out an application for the Medicare Savings Program.

Remember, there is no asset test and no recoupment for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. You could potentially save $1,000+ a year by applying to this program. Call CHOICES to find out if you qualify today.