What You Need Before You Apply for a Medicare Savings Program

Gather these documents before you start

You will need proof of income, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current Medicare enrollment. Most programs also ask for your Social Security number and information about any other health coverage you have. Having these ready before you contact your state program means you can move through the process without delays or follow-up requests.

The specific documents vary slightly by state, but the core set is the same everywhere. Your state Medicaid office will tell you exactly what they need when you reach them, but starting with what's listed here means you won't have to search for something twice.

Key Takeaways

• You need proof of income from the last month or two, your Social Security number, and a copy of your Medicare card before you contact your state program.
• Citizenship or legal residency proof is required; a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers all work, depending on your state's rules.
• Your state Medicaid office processes Medicare Savings Program applications, not Medicare itself, so you will be working with a state agency.
• Processing usually takes two to four weeks once your state receives a complete application, though this varies by state and current workload.
• You can submit your application by mail, phone, or in person at your local Medicaid office; some states also accept online submission.

Income and tax documents to have ready

Bring recent pay stubs if you are working, or a letter from Social Security showing your monthly benefit amount if you receive Social Security. If you have other income — from a pension, rental property, or investments — gather statements showing that too. Most programs ask for the last one or two months of income documentation, though some states want a full year of tax returns.

If your income is irregular or you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last year or two. Your state program will use these to calculate whether your income falls within the program's limits. The income thresholds change each year, so even if you were turned down before, you may now fall within the range.

Citizenship and residency proof

You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident. A passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card) all work. Some states accept a driver's license or state ID card if it was issued after you proved citizenship to get it. Call your state Medicaid office to ask which documents they accept — rules differ.

If you were born outside the United States and became a citizen, bring your naturalization papers. If you are a legal permanent resident but not yet a citizen, your green card or I-797 approval notice will work. Your state program will make a copy; you do not lose the original.

Medicare and other insurance information

Have your Medicare card in front of you when you apply. Your state program needs your Medicare number, which is on the card. If you also have other health coverage — employer insurance, TRICARE, Veterans benefits, or a Medigap policy — write down the policy numbers and the names of those insurers. The program needs to know what other coverage you have so they can coordinate payments correctly.

If you do not have your physical Medicare card, you can find your Medicare number on any Medicare statement you have received, or you can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask for it. Do not delay your application waiting for a replacement card; your number is what matters.

Where to submit your application

Contact your state Medicaid office directly — not Medicare. You can find your state office through the Medicaid website or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE and asking for your state Medicaid program's phone number. Many states let you apply by phone, mail, or in person at a local office. A few states have online applications; ask when you call.

Applying by phone is usually fastest because the caseworker can ask follow-up questions right away and tell you if anything is missing. If you apply by mail, include a cover letter listing what you are sending so the office knows the packet is complete. Keep a copy of everything you send.

What happens after you submit

Your state program will review your application and contact you if they need more information. Processing typically takes two to four weeks, though some states take longer depending on how many applications they are handling. You will receive a letter in the mail telling you whether you were found to meet the program's income and residency rules, and if so, which program you were placed in.

If your application is incomplete, the program will send you a notice saying what is missing and how long you have to send it. If you do not respond within that time frame, your application may be closed. If that happens, you can reapply; there is no penalty for reapplying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply over the phone, or do I have to go in person?

Most states let you apply by phone, and many also accept mail or in-person applications. Call your state Medicaid office to ask which methods they offer. Phone is usually fastest because the caseworker can ask questions and tell you right away if anything is missing.

What if I do not have all my documents yet?

Call your state Medicaid office and ask what you can submit now and what you can send later. Some offices will start processing with what you have and ask for the rest within a set time frame. Do not wait to apply if you are missing one document; ask first.

Do I need to reapply every year?

Yes. Most Medicare Savings Programs require you to reapply annually, usually around the same time each year. Your state program will send you a renewal notice before your coverage ends. Some states now allow online renewal, which is faster than a full new application.

What if my income is above the limit but just barely?

Income limits vary by state and change each year. If you are close to the limit, apply anyway — your state program can tell you whether you fall within the range. Some states have slightly higher limits than others, and limits increase each January.

Can I apply if I am not yet on Medicare?

No. You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to join a Medicare Savings Program. If you are not yet on Medicare, you can apply to the program once your Medicare coverage begins. Contact your state Medicaid office to ask about applying at the same time you sign up for Medicare.