The following resources can be accessed or printed from this page.
- Help Paying for Medicare Part B–QMB/SLMB Program
- Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan–Extra Help Program
- Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP)
- Medigap/Medicare Supplement Plans
- Additional Medicare Information
2021 Medicare Part D Open Enrollment:
October 15–December 7
FREE Part D Prescription Drug Plan Comparison
Montgomery County SHIP offers FREE Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan comparison to Montgomery County, Maryland residents. Our certified Counselors review your current Part D plan, the medications you are currently taking and identify other Part D plans (if any) whose total annual premium and yearly medications’ cost is less than your current plan.
NEW Secure Online 2021 SHIP RX Worksheet Form!
For the 2021 Medicare Part D Open Enrollment, Montgomery County recommends using our HIPPA-compliant secure online 2021 Medicare Drug Plan Worksheet form to submit your request for a plan analysis.
For coverage to begin January 1, 2021, send your form before November 16, 2020!
Avoid mail delays, get faster results, and ensure the security of the information you provide by using Montgomery County SHIP’s online 2021 Medicare Drug Plan Worksheet. You will be directed to the online form on a secure page when you click the button below.
If you are unable to submit your information using our secure, online form, download and complete the 2021 SHIP RX Worksheet.
To Mail Your 2021 Medicare Drug Plan Worksheet
Mail the completed worksheet to:
Montgomery County SHIP
12320 Parklawn Drive
Rockville, MD 20852
301-255-4250
Or email your completed worksheet to: SHIP@AccessJCA.org. If you email your completed worksheet, we cannot guaranteed the security of your submission.
Do You Need Prescription Drug Coverage BEFORE December 31, 2020?
If you need prescription drug coverage before January 1, 2021, Montgomery County SHIP can do a drug plan comparison for 2020 Drug Plans during Open Enrollment. Please download and complete this 2020 SHIP RX Worksheet.
Medicare Savings Programs
Help Paying for Medicare Part B Premiums
The State of Maryland offers two programs to hep eligible residents pay their Medicare Part B premiums based on your income and assets.
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program will pay the full amount of monthly Medicare premiums and your Medicare co-pays and deductibles if you meet monthly/annual income and assets eligibility limits.
- If you are Single: $1,084 monthly/$13,008 annual income with $9,360 in assets.
- If you are part of a Couple: $1,457 monthly/$17,484 annual income and $14,800 in assets.
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program will pay only your monthly Medicare Part B premium based on the following eligibility requirements.
- If you are Single: $1,296 monthly/$15,552 annual income with $9,360 in assets.
- If you are part of a Couple: $1,744 monthly/$20,928 annual income and $14,800 in assets.
Application (PDF): QMB/SLMB application
Medicare Part D Drug Assistance Programs
Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy–LIS) and the Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Programs (SPDAP) help pay for Medicare prescription drug costs. Or request a FREE Prescription Drug Plan Cost comparison.
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs
The Extra Help Program, also know as Low Income Subsidy (LIS) is a federal program that assists people with limited resources and
income to pay for the costs related to a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Some of these costs include monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments.
To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. Call to see if you qualify.
Application link: LIS application (scroll to the bottom of the page for the Apply Now button).
Forms are available by mail from the SHIP office at 301-255-4250 or from the Social Security Office at 1-800-772-1213.
Mail the completed application to:
Social Security Administration
Wilkes-Barre Data Operations Center
PO Box 1020
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18767-9910
Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP)
The State of Maryland helps moderate-income residents pay up to $40.00 per month for their Medicare Prescription Drug Plan premium, as long as they meet the following requirements:
- Show residency in Maryland for at least six months
- Be a Medicare recipient
- Have an income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The application below only shows 2019 income requirements. See 2020 SPDAP income requirements here or call our certified Medicare Counselors to check for more information at 301-255-4250.
Application (PDF): Maryland SPDAP application
Mail the completed application to:
Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program – SPDAP
c/o Pool Administrators
628 Hebron Avenue, Suite 100
Glastonbury, CT 06333
1-800-551-5996
Medigap/Medicare Supplement Policies
Standardized policies issued in the state of Maryland that fill coverage gaps in the original Medicare Program (Part A & B).
The Maryland Insurance Administration publishes the Medicare-Supplement-Rate-Guide every six months in January and July.
