Resources

Fact Sheets

Available via an annual subscription, our 30+ fact sheets cover 9 different Medicare and other health insurance topics. Those fact sheets pertaining to low-income help include those listed below. Note that E-004 on Cal MediConnect is available for free.

  • Low-Income Assistance: Medicare Savings Programs (E-001)
  • Low-Income Assistance: Medi-Cal (for People with Medicare) (E-002)
  • Low-Income Assistance: Extra Help for Part D Costs (E-003)
  • Low-Income Assistance: Cal MediConnect (E-004)

Part D Plan Comparison Charts

Websites

BenefitsCheckUp (National Council on Aging)
Online screening service that checks older adults’ eligibility for various public and private benefit programs in all 50 states. Programs include prescription drugs and screening for the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, nutrition (such as food stamps), legal services, energy assistance, in-home services, tax assistance and transportation.
Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse
Run by the California Attorney General to provide health care resources for the needy, and to protect patients in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities from abuse or neglect.
California Department of Aging – Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
1-800-510-2020 Provides older adults with information on local resources and community-based services, including low-income programs.
California Medicare News
Variety of current articles on Medicare-related topics, including low-income help for Medicare beneficiaries.
EconomicCheckUp
A resource from the National Council on Aging, EconomicCheckUp provides seniors with ways to better manage their budget, save money and set financial goals. It includes specialized and individualized help for: money management & budgeting; debt & credit management; housing; health; and employment and training.
Health Consumer Alliance
1-310-204-4900 A partnership of consumer-assistance programs operated by community-based legal service organizations created to help people with low income obtain essential health care.
Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP)
1-800-434-0222 Free counseling about Medicare, Medigap policies, Medicare Advantage (formerly known as Medicare+Choice) plans, filing an appeal and long-term care insurance.
Medicare.gov – The Official U.S. Government Site for People with 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, home health care and other Medicare-related issues.
SmileCalifornia.org
1-800-322-6384 Medi-Cal covers many dental services. Visit this website to learn about your benefits and find a dental care provider near you who accepts Medi-Cal.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
1-800-772-1213 Covers Medicare eligibility, Social Security benefits, Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) applications, change of address for Medicare or Social Security and lost Medicare card replacements.