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This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Medicare issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Application for Payment of Medicare Premiums, Coinsurance and Deductibles [PDF]
The PA 600M is a mail-in application for payment of the Medicare Part B premium only. It is used to help elderly individuals or individuals with disabilities who are eligible for Medicare to pay some or all of their Medicare Part B premium. A face-to-face interview is not required when using this application. The application cannot be used to apply for Medicaid (Medical Assistance), cash assistance or food stamps. (PA 600 M (AS) 8/19)
Benefits Check Up for Seniors
BenefitsCheckUp® connects millions of older adults and people with disabilities with benefits programs that can help pay for health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more. See what's available in your area by entering your ZIP code on the site.
Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
This resource from the Social Security Administration allows you to use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) to find what Social Security benefits you may be eligible to receive. It is NOT an application for benefits.
Benefits.gov
Benefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government whose mission is to increase citizen access to benefit information, while reducing the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government. It is a free, online confidential tool that helps you find government benefits you may be eligible to receive. Use the benefit finder tool or search by category to learn which benefits you and your family may be eligible for and learn how to apply for what you qualify for.
Disability
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or “Disability” provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work.
Explore your Medicare Health Care and Prescription Drug Coverage Options
This tool from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can help you find and compare Medicare health care and prescription drug plans in your area.
Medicaid Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP)
Medicaid Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP) was developed to help families with at least one person enrolled in Medicaid pay for private health insurance through an employer.
Online Services: Social Security Administration
This webpage of the Social Security Administration described the online services available from Social Security including apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online. The page allows you to create a My Social Security account. you can use to check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more – from anywhere and from any of your devices!
Social Security Benefit Application - Medicare
Online Medicare application from the Social Security Administration. Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. You’ll sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security, so you can make both retirement and Medicare choices and withhold any premiums from your benefit payments.
Disability
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or “Disability” provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work.
Medicaid Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP)
Medicaid Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP) was developed to help families with at least one person enrolled in Medicaid pay for private health insurance through an employer.
Medicare Open Enrollment
This resource from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services explains Medicare Open Enrollment, when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year, including when it occurs and your rights and restrictions relating to Open Enrollment.
Medicare - Preventive & Screening Services
Information about preventive services that may be covered by Medicare. Preventive services help you stay healthy, detect health problems early, determine the most effective treatments, and prevent certain diseases. Preventive services include exams, shots, lab tests, and screenings. They also include programs for health monitoring, and counseling and education to help you take care of your own health.
Medicare Publications
Listing of publications from Medicare.gov on a vairiety of issues. Publications are in PDF format with links to copies converted to web pages.
Medicare Savings Program (MSP) [Video]
In this video updated for 2022, PHLP attorney Katy McKee talks about a program called the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which can help with Medicare costs. The Medicare Savings Program is also known as the Buy-In.
Pennie - Pennsylvania's Health Care Marketplace
Pennie provides information on health care coverage available and how to sign up. All Pennsylvanians can search and choose coverage from November to January 15. After January 15th, folks who experience a Qualifying Life Event are still eligible to apply for financial assistance and shop for health insurance. Visit their website to learn more on qualifying life events.
Prohibition on Billing Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries
This fact sheet from the Medicare Learning Network Medicare provides information outlining that providers and suppliers, including pharmacies, must not bill Medicare beneficiaries in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) eligibility group for Medicare Part A or Part B cost-sharing. The QMB eligibility group is a Medicaid eligibility group through which states pay Medicare premiums and cost-sharing for certain low-income Medicare beneficiaries (QMBs). The QMB eligibility group is one of the Medicare Savings Programs. (September 2025)
PA Health Law Project Toll-Free Helpline - Call: 1-800-274-3258
The PA Health Law Project provides free legal services and advocacy to Pennsylvanians having trouble accessing publicly funded health care coverage or services. For assistance, call the PHLP Helpline at 1-800-274-3258 or 1-866-236-6310 TTY or e-mail the PHLP at staff@phlp.org. Information from the PHLP is also available online at www.phlp.org. The Toll Free Helpline is open on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning at 8:00 AM Eastern.
Application for Payment of Medicare Premiums, Coinsurance and Deductibles [PDF]
The PA 600M is a mail-in application for payment of the Medicare Part B premium only. It is used to help elderly individuals or individuals with disabilities who are eligible for Medicare to pay some or all of their Medicare Part B premium. A face-to-face interview is not required when using this application. The application cannot be used to apply for Medicaid (Medical Assistance), cash assistance or food stamps. (PA 600 M (AS) 8/19)
Benefits Check Up for Seniors
BenefitsCheckUp® connects millions of older adults and people with disabilities with benefits programs that can help pay for health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more. See what's available in your area by entering your ZIP code on the site.
Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
This resource from the Social Security Administration allows you to use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) to find what Social Security benefits you may be eligible to receive. It is NOT an application for benefits.
Benefits.gov
Benefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government whose mission is to increase citizen access to benefit information, while reducing the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government. It is a free, online confidential tool that helps you find government benefits you may be eligible to receive. Use the benefit finder tool or search by category to learn which benefits you and your family may be eligible for and learn how to apply for what you qualify for.
Online Services: Social Security Administration
This webpage of the Social Security Administration described the online services available from Social Security including apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online. The page allows you to create a My Social Security account. you can use to check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more – from anywhere and from any of your devices!
Pennie - Pennsylvania's Health Care Marketplace
Pennie provides information on health care coverage available and how to sign up. All Pennsylvanians can search and choose coverage from November to January 15. After January 15th, folks who experience a Qualifying Life Event are still eligible to apply for financial assistance and shop for health insurance. Visit their website to learn more on qualifying life events.
Social Security Benefit Application - Medicare
Online Medicare application from the Social Security Administration. Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. You’ll sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security, so you can make both retirement and Medicare choices and withhold any premiums from your benefit payments.
Explore your Medicare Health Care and Prescription Drug Coverage Options
This tool from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can help you find and compare Medicare health care and prescription drug plans in your area.
Medicare: Find & compare providers near you
You can use this tool to find and compare different types of Medicare providers (like physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, and others). Use our maps and filters to help you identify providers that are right for you.
Medigap Policy Search
This interactive tool from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services helps you Find a Medigap Policy in Your Area.
Medicare Part D Extra Help Guide - 2025
Information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project about the Medicare Part D Extra Help Program (also called the Low-Income Subsidy or “LIS”) that helps Medicare consumers dramatically lower their prescription drug costs and can help individuals save thousands of dollars per year. Anyone who has Medicare and gets any help from Medicaid should automatically get Extra Help and doesn’t need to apply. This includes people whose only Medicaid benefit is the payment of the Medicare Part B premium. People who automatically get Extra Help will get a letter about this that is on purple paper. All other Medicare beneficiaries need to apply to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to get this help. (February 2025)
Medicare Part D Extra Help (Video)
In this video, the Pennsylvania Health Law Project explains a program called Extra Help which helps with Medicare prescription drug costs. The Extra Help program is also known as the Low Income Subsidy (LIS). (2022)
2026 Medicare Part D Standard Zero Premium Prescription Drug Plans
In Pennsylvania, all dual eligible and those approved for full Extra Help with their Part D costs will have no premium if they enroll in any of the plans listed in the PDF below. This list was composed by The Pennsylvania Health Law Project. (October 2025)
Medicare Savings Program Guide 2025
Information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project on the Medicare Savings Programs. The Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help older adults and people with disabilities pay their Medicare Part B monthly premium. Some people also qualify for help with their Medicare Part A premium, if any, as well as Part A and Part B deductibles and coinsurance. To qualify for MSP, you must have limited income and resources. (February 2025)
Medicare Savings Program (MSP) [Video]
In this video updated for 2022, PHLP attorney Katy McKee talks about a program called the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which can help with Medicare costs. The Medicare Savings Program is also known as the Buy-In.
PA Health Law Project Toll-Free Helpline - Call: 1-800-274-3258
The PA Health Law Project provides free legal services and advocacy to Pennsylvanians having trouble accessing publicly funded health care coverage or services. For assistance, call the PHLP Helpline at 1-800-274-3258 or 1-866-236-6310 TTY or e-mail the PHLP at staff@phlp.org. Information from the PHLP is also available online at www.phlp.org. The Toll Free Helpline is open on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning at 8:00 AM Eastern.
A Guide to Legal Issues for Pennsylvania Older Adults
The guide is designed to provide information about legal issues faced by Pennsylvania’s older residents and their caregivers. The authors and publishers intend to assist older adults make appropriate choices so they can maximize their personal autonomy, minimize costs, navigate the maze of government benefits and protect themselves against predators seeking to deceive, exploit or defraud them. The materials in this guide were current as of the date of publication. May 2025.
Disability
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or “Disability” provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work.
Explore your Medicare Health Care and Prescription Drug Coverage Options
This tool from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can help you find and compare Medicare health care and prescription drug plans in your area.
Get started with Medicare
Information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services providing an overview of the Medicare program.
If You Are Self-Employed
Fact Sheet from the Social Security Administration for people who are self-employed regarding paying Social Security and Medicare taxes, earning credits, calculating net earnings, and more. (2025)
Insulin Coverage
This information from Medicare.gov outlines changes to Medicare Part D insulin costs starting January 1, 2023. The major change is that the cost of a one-month supply of Medicare Part D-covered insulin is capped at $35, and you don’t have to pay a deductible for insulin. This applies to everyone who takes insulin, even if you get Extra Help. For more information on the changes visit this resource from Medicare.gov.
Medicaid Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP)
Medicaid Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP) was developed to help families with at least one person enrolled in Medicaid pay for private health insurance through an employer.
Medicare: Find & compare providers near you
You can use this tool to find and compare different types of Medicare providers (like physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, and others). Use our maps and filters to help you identify providers that are right for you.
Medicare Open Enrollment
This resource from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services explains Medicare Open Enrollment, when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year, including when it occurs and your rights and restrictions relating to Open Enrollment.
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Information on Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) from Medicare.gov. Medicare drug coverage (also known as Medicare Part D) helps pay for the brand-name and generic drugs you need. It's optional and offered to everyone with Medicare by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Even if you don’t take prescription drugs now, consider getting Medicare drug coverage to avoid paying a late enrollment penalty if you join a plan later.
Medicare - Preventive & Screening Services
Information about preventive services that may be covered by Medicare. Preventive services help you stay healthy, detect health problems early, determine the most effective treatments, and prevent certain diseases. Preventive services include exams, shots, lab tests, and screenings. They also include programs for health monitoring, and counseling and education to help you take care of your own health.
Medicare Publications
Listing of publications from Medicare.gov on a vairiety of issues. Publications are in PDF format with links to copies converted to web pages.
Medigap Policy Search
This interactive tool from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services helps you Find a Medigap Policy in Your Area.
Online Services: Social Security Administration
This webpage of the Social Security Administration described the online services available from Social Security including apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online. The page allows you to create a My Social Security account. you can use to check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more – from anywhere and from any of your devices!
Pennie - Pennsylvania's Health Care Marketplace
Pennie provides information on health care coverage available and how to sign up. All Pennsylvanians can search and choose coverage from November to January 15. After January 15th, folks who experience a Qualifying Life Event are still eligible to apply for financial assistance and shop for health insurance. Visit their website to learn more on qualifying life events.
Prohibition on Billing Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries
This fact sheet from the Medicare Learning Network Medicare provides information outlining that providers and suppliers, including pharmacies, must not bill Medicare beneficiaries in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) eligibility group for Medicare Part A or Part B cost-sharing. The QMB eligibility group is a Medicaid eligibility group through which states pay Medicare premiums and cost-sharing for certain low-income Medicare beneficiaries (QMBs). The QMB eligibility group is one of the Medicare Savings Programs. (September 2025)
Social Security Benefit Application - Medicare
Online Medicare application from the Social Security Administration. Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. You’ll sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security, so you can make both retirement and Medicare choices and withhold any premiums from your benefit payments.
What's Medicare? (Parts of Medicare)
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities. This provides more information about what coverage is available through the various "Parts" of Medicare.
Your Ticket To Work
Information from the Social Security Administration regarding the Ticket To Work Program and how more Americans with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in the workforce and lessen their dependence on public benefits. Some of the work incentives allow you to keep some Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI benefits, and your Medicaid or Medicare, while you transition to the workplace. (February 2025)
Explore your Medicare Health Care and Prescription Drug Coverage Options
This tool from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can help you find and compare Medicare health care and prescription drug plans in your area.
Insulin Coverage
This information from Medicare.gov outlines changes to Medicare Part D insulin costs starting January 1, 2023. The major change is that the cost of a one-month supply of Medicare Part D-covered insulin is capped at $35, and you don’t have to pay a deductible for insulin. This applies to everyone who takes insulin, even if you get Extra Help. For more information on the changes visit this resource from Medicare.gov.
Medicare Part D Extra Help Guide - 2025
Information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project about the Medicare Part D Extra Help Program (also called the Low-Income Subsidy or “LIS”) that helps Medicare consumers dramatically lower their prescription drug costs and can help individuals save thousands of dollars per year. Anyone who has Medicare and gets any help from Medicaid should automatically get Extra Help and doesn’t need to apply. This includes people whose only Medicaid benefit is the payment of the Medicare Part B premium. People who automatically get Extra Help will get a letter about this that is on purple paper. All other Medicare beneficiaries need to apply to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to get this help. (February 2025)
Medicare Part D Extra Help (Video)
In this video, the Pennsylvania Health Law Project explains a program called Extra Help which helps with Medicare prescription drug costs. The Extra Help program is also known as the Low Income Subsidy (LIS). (2022)
2026 Medicare Part D Standard Zero Premium Prescription Drug Plans
In Pennsylvania, all dual eligible and those approved for full Extra Help with their Part D costs will have no premium if they enroll in any of the plans listed in the PDF below. This list was composed by The Pennsylvania Health Law Project. (October 2025)
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Information on Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) from Medicare.gov. Medicare drug coverage (also known as Medicare Part D) helps pay for the brand-name and generic drugs you need. It's optional and offered to everyone with Medicare by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Even if you don’t take prescription drugs now, consider getting Medicare drug coverage to avoid paying a late enrollment penalty if you join a plan later.