Assistance programs for health care costs

Extra Help, also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), is a Medicare program that helps people with limited income pay Medicare drug coverage (Part D) premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs.

If you’re in a Blue Medicare HMO^℠, PPO^℠, or Blue Medicare Rx^℠ PDP plan, you may pay both a monthly plan premium and a separate Medicare Part B premium. Extra Help can lower your monthly plan premium. The more help you get, the less you pay. Extra Help discounts aren't applied to Part B premiums.

You can apply for Extra Help online at medicare.gov⁠⁠ or by calling the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) between 7 AM and 7 PM, Monday through Friday.

But you don't need to go through the process alone. Blue Cross NC partners with My Advocate^® from Change Healthcare to provide members personalized support in the application process. An advocate will see if you qualify and then guide you through applying.

To check your eligibility, My Advocate will ask for financial information. It’s only shared with government agencies when required and Blue Cross NC doesn't receive your data.

To connect with My Advocate for assistance applying for Extra Help, call 866-244-6990 (TTY 711).

You can apply for Medicare Savings Programs by calling the North Carolina Medicaid office Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM at 888-245-0179 (TTY 711).

Dual Enrollment Advocate^™ helps you apply for these programs. With the support program, you can get a personal screening for Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid. If you qualify, an advocate will provide support throughout the application process.

For assistance with Medicare Savings Program and Dual Enrollment, call 888-282-0773 (TTY 711).