Medical Benefits

We can help you figure out your medical options. Call or visit for help with:

Medicare
Medicare Part D
Washington Basic Health
Prescription Assistance

Medicare

Medicare Savings plans = A state funded Medicare Premium Payment
QMB (includes Part A and B premium, co-pays, deductibles) 1 person: $903 2 persons: $1,214
SLMB (includes Part B Premium only) 1 person: $1083 2 persons: $1457
QI-1 (Part B premium only on space available basis) 1 person: $1218 2 persons: $1639
Can be applied for with a DSHS application (DSHS 14-001) or the Medicare Savings Programs application

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D Subsidies (also known as “Extra Help”)
Resource limit: Single person: $12,510 Couple: $25,010
If you qualify for QMB, SLMB etc., you automatically qualify for extra help.
Can be applied for with a DSHS application, the Medicare Savings Programs application or online at ssa.gov

Washington Basic Health

Washington Basic Health is not available as of 9/01/2009 (see website for updates: www.basichealth.hca.wa.gov/).

The following groups, however, may by-pass this wait list. This includes:
• Foster Parents
• Personal Care Workers
• Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) The HCTC assists three specific groups of people. If you belong to one of these groups, then you meet the Initial Requirements and you may be eligible to receive the tax credit:
• PBGC Pension Benefit Recipients - you are at least 55 years old and receive a pension benefit payment from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). You also qualify if you currently receive PBGC benefits as a survivor, beneficiary or an alternate payee and are at least 55 years old
• TAA Recipients - you receive either an income supplement from your state called a Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA) or unemployment insurance.
• ATAA/RTAA Recipients - you receive benefits under the Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA)/Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA) program
• Tribal Sponsored Accounts
• Washington National Guard or Reserves who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation Noble Eagle.
• BH Plus and Maternity applicants whom we sent to DSHS and who were deemed ineligible for DSHS programs.
• Former BH members who disenrolled due to Medicaid coverage who have since lost that coverage and notified BH within 30 days.
To request an application for these programs please call 1-800-660-9840.

Prescription Assistance

There is little help for those who need assistance filling a prescription immediately. Some agencies and clinics can provide medication on an as-available basis. Narcotics are almost never available. For long-term needs for those who have no prescription coverage and are not eligible for Medicaid, applying to the pharmaceutical companies is an option. The income guidelines vary by program and are relatively high when compared to most assistance programs.

Short-term, immediate assistance may be available at: