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Medicare-Savings-Programs-in-California

Medicare-Savings-Programs-in-California

Phone number
(800) 541-5555 (Medi-Cal Helpline)
Category
Senior
Health
Auto tags
Eligibility
Californians with annual income under $20,121 (individual) or $27,214 (couple) enrolled in Medicare
Auto Summary
California's Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) help eligible low-income Californians pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Starting January 1, 2025, California became a Medicare Part A Buy-In State, automatically enrolling eligible Medi-Cal members in Medicare Part A. Californians with annual income under $20,121 (individual) or $27,214 (couple) may qualify. Applications can be submitted online at BenefitsCal.org, by mail, by phone, or in person at a county social service office.
Value
Helps pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments for eligible low-income Californians
Espanol
Programas de Ahorro de Medicare en California - Programas que ayudan a californianos de bajos ingresos elegibles a pagar primas, deducibles y copagos de Medicare. Puede aplicar en línea en BenefitsCal.org o llamar a la línea de ayuda de Medi-Cal.
URL
https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/Medicare-Savings-Programs-in-California.aspx
Return to Information for Older Adults
If you or someone you know is having trouble paying Medicare costs, there are ways to save money on Medicare premiums and other costs, like deductibles and copayments.
The state of California has made it easier for Californians to apply for help paying Medicare costs.
  • Starting January 1, 2025, California will become a Medicare Part A Buy-In State. As a result, eligible full-scope Medi-Cal members who are enrolled in Medicare Part B and qualify for one of the MSP programs called the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A Buy-In by the state. The state willl cover Medicare Part A premiums for these Medi-Cal members. See the attached flyers for more information or if you qualify under this change.
Californians with an annual income of less than $20,121 for an individual or $27,214 for a couple are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program. These programs provide help from the State of California to pay for your Medicare premiums, and sometimes your deductibles and copayments.

Think you may be eligible?

The application process for Medicare Savings Programs is the same as Medi-Cal. If you are eligible, you can tell your county eligibility office which program you would like to enroll in. Apply for a Medicare Savings Program, and Medi-Cal, in one of the following ways:
  • By mail. You can download a Medi-Cal application (also includes Medicare Savings Programs) in many languages here.
  • By phone. To apply by phone, call your local county social service office. You can find the phone number to your local county office here.
  • In Person. You can apply for Medicare Savings Programs or Medi-Cal coverage in person at your local county social service office. You can find your local county office here, or by calling the Medi-Cal Helpline at (800) 541-5555.