Without the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), 74-year-old Sherlea Dony of Rochester, New York, might be living in her car.

That’s what Dony told Congressional staffers during a virtual policy briefing hosted by NCOA. The event highlighted the vital work of the national network of state and local organizations that connect low-income older adults to benefits programs that help them afford Medicare.

Dony had 50-year career as a sign language interpreter, and she saved for retirement. But a devastating scam left her with only $1,300 in monthly Social Security income—not nearly enough to cover basic costs like her Medicare premiums, food, and housing.

Luckily, Dony connected with Lifespan of Greater Rochester, one of NCOA’s Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs). Lifespan helped Dony apply for the MSP, Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS / Extra Help), and other benefits. With the $200 she saved, Dony could once again buy groceries, afford her asthma inhaler, and replace the batteries in her hearing aids.

“Let’s face it, Medicare is complicated—and it can be expensive for those who are struggling to afford doctor visits and prescription drugs,” said NCOA President and CEO Ramsey Alwin.

Medicare’s premiums and coinsurance can be particularly callenging for people who are living on a fixed, low income. These are individuals with incomes below $23,000 and non-housing assets below $16,000.”

Benefits can make the difference. MSP helps pay for Medicare Part B premiums and coinsurance, and LIS helps pay for prescription drug coverage. Yet, many of those who are eligible for these programs are not enrolled, often because they simply don’t know the programs exist or how to apply.

The Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) funds organizations that connect eligible people to these benefits. These organizations include BECs like Lifespan, as well as State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), and Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs).

Over the past two years, this federally funded, community-based network has connected 9.3 million low-income Medicare beneficiaries to benefits programs. Yet, there are an estimated 20.5 million Medicare beneficiaries who are living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and may be eligible but not enrolled.

Hear from professionals across the network and a Congressional staffer why MIPPA funding matters.

“We have documented thousands in savings by helping Missourians compare their options and understand the differences in cost and coverage, but also to ensure that they enroll in any savings programs that they're eligible, for often they don't know these programs exist,” explained Scott Minea, director of the Missouri State Health Insurance Assistance Program and chair of the national SHIP Steering Committee.

“Our coverage area is about 13,000 square miles, with many towns being rural, and two out of our four counties that we cover have almost a 20% poverty rate,” said Jami Aleksiev, community services director for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging in Maine—which doubles as a BEC. “In addition to these statistics, Maine has the highest percentage of people aged 65 and older in the U.S. We understand how paramount it is to play an active role in our community.”

Federal funding for MIPPA has been extended 12 times with bipartisan support—but is set to expire on December 31, 2024. NCOA is advocating to make the funding permanent.

“In a survey we conducted earlier this year, 94% of women told us they support strengthening Medicare efforts to help low-income older adults sign up for benefits they are eligible for but not currently receiving,” Alwin said. “ Last year, 75 national aging, disability, patient, and provider groups signed onto a letter to Congress supporting extending federal funding.”

Stable funding will provide job security for staff within the network who are finding and enrolling people in need. “ This funding is critical to making sure Sherlea and others like her can age with the dignity they deserve,” Alwin said.