Counseling/Services under the State Health Assistance Program (SHAP) and State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Medicare Part A, B, C, and D
 

Medicare Part A 

• Hospitalization insurance for people age 65 and older and individuals of any age who receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for two or more years.

Medicare Part B

• Coverage includes physician care, outpatient hospital care, some services of home health service, physical and occupational therapy, preventative services, durable medical equipment, laboratory test and x-ray, ambulance service and blood.

Medicare Part C

• Also known as Medicare Advantage Plans are available for anyone with Medicare, regardless of income.  These plans are approved by Medicare but administered by private companies.  

Medicare Advantage Plans include:

• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO),  
• Health Maintenance Organization (HM), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS).

Medicare Part D

• Prescription drug plans are available for anyone with Medicare, regardless of income or age. Drug plans are approved by Medicare but administered by private companies.

Medicare Saving Program

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary or QMB pays for Medicare Part A & B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance charges for all Medicare-covered services.  The applicant must be enrolled in Medicare. 1 person household, $958.00 income per month, $7,080 of countable assets. 2 person household, $1,293.00 income per month, $10,620 of countable assets Add $335 for each additional person in the household. 

Extra Help (LIS):

• Individuals must be on Medicare. Income for 1 person is limited to $16,755 or $22,695 for a married couple living together.  Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. There are asset limits to the Extra Help Program.  Your combined savings, investments, real estate, other than the home you live in, must be worth less than $26,580 for a married couple and less than $13,300 for the individual. 

Benefits Access Program

• Individuals may be entitled to a discount on one License plate per household and/or a Ride the Bus for free if they are 65 or older or disabled. There are income limits for this program: 1 person $27,610, 2 people $36,635, and 3 people $45,657.

Medicare Supplement Benefits (Medigap)

• Supplement insurance is provided by private insurance companies. This policy covers what Medicare does not pay.  Medicare pays 80% of approved charges, the supplementary policy pays 20% of what Medicare approves.

Senior Medicare Program

• This program provides information to seniors on how to protect themselves against Medicare Fraud. Central Illinois Agency on Aging also provides information on protecting seniors from identity theft, scams, and fraud.