MEDICARE 101 · HELP WITH COSTS
Could you qualify for Medicaid or Extra Help?
Start with an application or an in-person visit. Ask about all three programs—you may qualify for more than one.
What do these programs do?
- Medicaid: State health coverage for eligible people with limited income. It can work alongside Medicare. Eligibility and covered costs depend on your situation and state.
- Extra Help (LIS): Helps pay Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. It does not pay your Part B premium.
- Medicare Savings Programs: May pay your Part B premium. Some also help with Medicare deductibles and copays, depending on the program.
Don’t rule yourself out based on a quick income estimate. Each program has its own rules, and some income or resources may not count. The agency makes the eligibility decision.
Learn about Medicare Savings Programs ↗
1. Call Social Security for Extra Help
Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for an appointment to apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help. Phone hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. in most U.S. time zones. TTY: 1-800-325-0778.
You can also apply online at any time of year.
2. Ask about Medicaid and Part B premium help
Oklahoma Medicaid is called SoonerCare. For Beckham County, Jesse recommends visiting the Oklahoma Human Services office in Sayre in person. If you are older, blind or disabled, ask about the appropriate Medicaid application. Call the SoonerCare Helpline at 1-800-987-7767 for guidance.
Open OKDHSLive ↗ · Find or contact a DHS office ↗SoonerCare application guidance ↗
What should I say?
Extra Help is handled through Social Security; Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs are handled through your state. You may need separate applications.
Have these ready, if available
- Photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID.
- Social Security card or number, and your Medicare card.
- Proof of income, such as a Social Security benefit letter, pension statement or pay stubs.
- Recent checking and savings statements, plus other account balances if requested.
- A utility bill or other proof of your current address.
- Your spouse’s income and financial information, if applicable.
This is a preparation list; the office will tell you exactly what is needed. Call even if you do not have everything yet. Give sensitive documents directly to the agency through its official channels.
If you already receive full Medicaid, SSI, or help through certain Medicare Savings Programs, you may already qualify automatically for Extra Help. Check automatic Extra Help eligibility ↗