Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar highlighted federal benefits available to seniors in South Texas and the rest of the United States. These resources assist with the cost of healthcare services, home energy bills, and healthy food.

“Most seniors live on a fixed income and without the benefits the federal government provides they would be struggling to make ends meet. That is why it is so important that we educate people on how they can access these resources that might be available to them,” said Congressman Cuellar, a senior member on the House Appropriations Committee. “These programs can help senior citizens save on health care and leave more money in their pockets for groceries and gas. I have always worked to strengthen sensible federal programs that provide our elderly with quality health care and other benefits.” 

Federal Medicare, Medicaid, and other low-income healthcare programs can cover all or some of the costs of prescription drugs and other costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copays. The programs:

 Medicare Programs

1. Medicare Part D Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) 

This program reduces the price of Medicare Part D prescription drugs and can cover some or all of associated costs. 

You can check your eligibility here: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp.html 

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

1. Specified Low-Income Beneficiary (SLMB)
2. Qualifying Individual (QI)
3. Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI)

Individuals who qualify for any of these programs will have Medicare Part A or B premiums and deductibles covered, depending on individual eligibility. They will also automatically be eligible to receive the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy. 

You can check your eligibility here: https://yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home 

 Other Programs

1. Medicaid (STAR+PLUS)
2. Supplemental Assistance Assistance Program (SNAP)
3. Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
4. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
5. State Pharmacy Assistance Programs (SPAP)

Eligible individuals can receive coverage for long term care, assistance buying the food people need for good health, assistance paying cooling and heating bills, and more through these other programs.

You can check your eligibility by here: https://yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home for Medicaid and SNAP or here: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/65older.html for SSI. For energy assistance please call 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905.

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