MIPPA (Medicare Improvements for Patients & Providers Act)
Everybody likes a little extra cash in their wallets, especially at the end of the month. As a grantee of this program, the Area Agency on Aging Region 9 provides Part D counseling to Medicare beneficiaries and assistance applying for savings programs.
Low-income seniors and persons with disabilities can apply for two programs that help pay for their Medicare costs:
- The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) expanded access to the Part D low-income subsidy (Extra Help/LIS), which helps pay for the Part D premium and reduces the cost of prescriptions at the pharmacy. LIS is not subject to estate recovery. Help with drug costs | Medicare
- The Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), which help pay for Medicare Part A or B Premiums.
To qualify, you must meet income and resource guidelines specific to the program(s) you are applying to.
MIPPA Successes
The National Council on Aging reported that MIPPA grantees submitted more than 2 million LIS (Low Income Subsidy) and MSP (Medicare Savings Programs) applications for a total value of $5 billion in benefits between 2009 and 2021. If you are unsure about your eligibility for this prescription savings program, please call us at the Area Agency on Aging Region 9 at 1-800-945-4250. We can fill out your application right over the phone and submit for you!
Medicare Preventive Services
Medicare Part B deductibles and coinsurance are waived for many preventive benefits to help keep older adults healthy including:
- Welcome to Medicare visit
- Yearly “Wellness" check-ups
- Vaccinations for the flu, shingles, and COVID-19
- Screenings for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV
- Counseling to help you quit smoking
- Training on how to manage diabetes