Resources
Fact sheets and Part D benchmark plan chart:
- Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) (E-001)
- Medi-Cal (for People with Medicare) (E-002)
- Extra Help for Part D Costs (E-003)
- 2008 California Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans Chart – for people who qualify for extra help low income subsidy program: English version - Spanish version
- 2008 California Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans Comparison Chart for California residents. This chart does not include a list of Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans available in California. English version only.
Websites:
California Department of Aging -Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
1-800-510-2020
Provides information on local resources and community-based services for older adults, including low income programs.
California Medicare News
Variety of current articles on Medicare-related topics, and including some on low-income help for Medicare beneficiaries.
Health Consumer Alliance
310-204-4900
A partnership of consumer assistance programs operated by community-based legal services organizations organized to help low-income people obtain essential health care.
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
1-800-434-0222
Free counseling about Medicare, Medigap policies, Medicare Advantage (formerly known as Medicare+Choice) plans, filing an appeal, or long-term care insurance.
Medicare
1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227)
Information on Medicare; Medigap policies; Medicare Advantage (formerly known as Medicare+Choice) plan options; prescription drug assistance programs; nursing homes and home health care; and other Medicare-related issues.
Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse
The California Attorney General's Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse works aggressively to divert scarce health care resources from the needy, and also works to protect patients in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities from abuse or neglect.
National Council on Aging: Online Screening Service
Online screening service that checks older adults' eligibility for various public and private benefit programs in all 50 states. Programs include those for prescription drugs (and screening for Part D low-income subsidy), nutrition (such as food stamps), legal services, energy assistance, in-home services, tax assistance, transportation, and more.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
1-800-772-1213
Covers Medicare eligibility; Social Security benefits; low income subsidy applications, change of address for Medicare or Social Security; lost Medicare card replacements.
Page updated April 29, 2008