Medicare

Enroll in Original Medicare Parts A and B (2024): How to Get Premium Free Hospital Coverage and Start Part B at $174.70 Per Month

Most people think Medicare enrollment is a single chore: circle a date on the calendar, fill out a form, move on with life.

Amount: Part A premium-free with sufficient work history; Part B premium $174.70/month in 2024 Deadline: Initial, General, and Special Enrollment Periods Location: United States

Medicare Part D Extra Help

Social Security Administration subsidy that lowers Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums, deductibles, and copays for people with limited income and resources.

Type: Benefit Amount: Up to $5,300+ annual savings through reduced Part D premiums, deductibles, and copayments Deadline: Ongoing Location: United States

Medicare Savings Programs

State-run programs that pay Medicare premiums and, in some cases, deductibles and coinsurance for low-income beneficiaries.

Type: Benefit Amount: Covers Medicare Part B premiums ($2,000+ annually) and may cover Part A premiums and … Deadline: Ongoing Location: United States

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Comprehensive medical, social, and long-term care services for adults aged 55 and older who are certified as nursing-home eligible but wish to continue living safely in their communities. PACE covers all Medicare and Medicaid services plus additional supports.

Type: Benefit Amount: All-inclusive care covering medical, dental, prescription drugs, transportation, home care, … Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) – Free Medicare Fraud Detection and Prevention

Free education, counseling, and assistance to help Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries detect, prevent, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. Trained SMP volunteers review Medicare statements with beneficiaries, identify suspicious charges, and assist with reporting—helping to protect both individual beneficiaries and the Medicare Trust Fund from an estimated $60 billion+ in annual fraud.

Type: Benefit Amount: Free Medicare fraud review and reporting help Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Free Medicare Counseling

Free, unbiased health insurance counseling for Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers through a nationwide network of trained volunteer counselors. SHIP helps seniors and people with disabilities understand Medicare options, compare plans, enroll in coverage, resolve billing problems, and access cost-saving programs—saving beneficiaries an average of $1,000+ per year in healthcare costs.

Type: Benefit Amount: Free Medicare counseling and plan comparison; typical savings exceed $1,000/year Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

Ticket to Work 2025: Try Working Without Losing Benefits

A complete guide to the SSA Ticket to Work program for 2025, including new Trial Work Period limits, SGA thresholds, and how to keep your Medicare.

Type: Benefit Amount: Free Career Support + Benefit Protection Deadline: Ongoing Location: United States