If you’re eligible for Medicare and meet assets and income guidelines, you could save money by applying for a Medicare Savings Program, available through your county’s Social Services office. That’s because Medicare’s base Part B monthly premium, at $96.40 in 2008, can be waived if you qualify.

For any of the following programs, your asset limits must be $10,000 for a single person or $18,000 for a couple. (Assets do not include your home, car, furniture, burial plot or up to $1,500 for burial expenses.)

As of July 1, 2008, monthly income limits will be:

• For QI-1, a program that waives the Part B premium: $1,190 (single) or $1,595 (couple)
• For SLMB, a program that also waives the Part B premium: $1,060 (single) or $1,420 (couple).
• For QMB, a program that waives the Part B premium and also waives Medicare deductibles and co-pays: $886 (single) or $1,186 (couple).

If you are eligible for one of the above programs, you are also eligible for “Extra Help” in paying for Medicare Part D, the prescription drug plan.

Call the Federation’s Health Plan Information Center, 651/783-5045 or toll-free 1-866/783-5045 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and ask about Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help for Part D and request an application. Your county determines eligibility. If you know of a Medicare enrollee who might benefit from these programs, be sure to pass along this information.