Extra Help
You can access extra help if you are eligible to enroll in the QMB program. Extra care is a plan that can help you cover the costs linked to a Medicare prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D) [3]. You can pay for these things with extra care:
- Monthly premiums
- Copays for prescriptions [4]
- Deductibles
You may still have to pay a small copay for prescriptions that are under Part D. In 2021, the cost of a copay was $9.20 for every brand-name drug and $3.70 for any generic drug that is covered. You can access only Medicare Part D through extra help. You can not pay for premiums and costs linked with Medigap (Medicare supplement insurance) plans or Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage).
People who are under the QMB program can follow these guidelines to ensure their Medicare costs are paid for:
- Tell your healthcare provider if you are under the QMB program.
- Show your doctor your Medicaid and Medicare cards or QMB program cards any time you go to the hospital.
- If you get a bill that The QMB program should pay, ensure you tell your doctor.
- Let your doctor know that you can not be billed for services like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles if you are covered by the QMB program.
- You can contact 800-Medicare if your doctor continues billing for your things covered by the program.