Medicare FAQs for Special Situations

Medicare and Medicaid are both government health insurance programs, but they serve different populations and are funded differently. Some people qualify for both - known as "dual eligibles."

Some Medicare Advantage plans reduce your monthly Part B premium — by as little as $0.10 or as much as the full $202.90/month in 2026. About 25% of MA plans offer this benefit, but evaluating the full plan is essential.

What Every Beneficiary Needs to Know

Medicare Extra Help, also called the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), is a federal program that reduces Part D prescription drug costs for people with limited income and resources. Qualifying beneficiaries pay little to nothing for covered medications.

The Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty is a permanent increase to your monthly Part B premium. It applies when you delay enrolling in Part B without having qualifying employer coverage. The penalty is 10% for each full 12-month period you were eligible but not enrolled.