Help with Medicare Costs

The Medicare Savings Program

Louisiana helps eligible, low-income beneficiaries pay for Medicare with the Medicaid program. Medicaid is a health care program that helps pay for medical services for people who meet specific requirements. You may be eligible depending on your income and assets. See the Medicare Savings Program income and asset guidelines here. 

To apply for the Medicare Savings Program contact:

• Medicaid at 1-888-342-6207 or click here for the application
• SHIIP at 1-800-259-5300
• Louisiana Answers at 1-877-340-9100
 

Prescription Drug Plan Options

 

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

People with Medicare can enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan and receive extra help paying for the premiums, deductibles, gaps in coverage and co-pays. Click here to apply with the Social Security Administration.

View the SHIIP Extra Help brochure for resource limits

View the 2024 Standard Part D Benefit

View the 2025 Stand-Alone Part D Drug Plans

 

 VA Prescription Benefit

Honorably discharged veterans can use the VA drug benefit by mail order for monthly maintenance drugs, and still use Medicare Part D for other prescriptions. To apply, call 1-877-222-8387.

 

Low Cost Drugs

Several national pharmacies have drastically reduced the cost of generic prescription drugs. Contact your preferred pharmacy for participation and a list of medications included in the program.  

 

Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association Free Medications Directory

Many pharmaceutical companies have programs which provide free or low cost medications to those in need regardless of age. Most of these programs require that you do not have insurance that covers outpatient prescription drugs, do not qualify for government assistance and that your income is within their stated guidelines.  The application process is different for each company.