Guest column: Benefits Available to Seniors

There are many benefits available to Seniors.

Programs disregard a small amount of money-if you are close to qualifying, consider applying.

Rocky Mountain Development Council is coming to the Lincoln Senior Center Aug. 7, 2019 at 11 a.m. to tell you about the following programs and help you apply.

Medicare Savings Program Part B Premium assistance

Medicare Savings Program covers monthly Medicare premiums. There are three levels of assistance. QMB covers Medicare Part A & B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. QMB acts as a secondary insurance to Medicare. SLMB and QI covers the monthly Medicare Part B premium. Medicaid does not require you to repay this benefit.

Single + Monthly Gross Income Limits less than $1,426 ($17,112/year) + Resources less than $7,730 -usually cash, stock and bonds more liquid assets in general it does not include house, car, business, etc.

Couple + Monthly Gross Income Limits less than $1,923 ($23,076/year) + Resources less than $11,600 -usually cash, stock and bonds more liquid assets in general it does not include house, car, business, etc.

Montana DPHHS- Big Sky Rx - Part D Premium Assistance

Big Sky Rx covers up to $35.80 of your Part D prescription drug plan. You can choose to have the payment deposited into your account and then make the payment to the Part D drug plan yourself or request Big Sky to pay the plan directly.

Single + Annual gross income less than $24,980.

Couple + Annual gross income less than $33,820 + Resources are not looked at

Social Security Administration Extra Help -Part D Premium assistance

Extra Help for covers up to $34.02 of Part D premium and provides a discount on co-pays and annual plan deductible. The discount is dependent on your income.

Single + Annual gross income less than $18,975 + Resources less than $14,390.

Couple + Annual gross income less than $25,605 + Resources less than $28,720.

SNAP (Food Stamps)

Placed on a debit card, extra money to pay for food. Resources are typically excluded when determining SNAP eligibility for seniors and those with disabilities.

USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program

A box of food once a month. Single - Monthly income must be under $1,354 and annual income must be under $16,237. Couple - Monthly income must be under $1,832 and annual income must be under $21,983.

Senior Farmers Market Nutritional Program

$50 worth of coupons to spend at a local farmers market. Helena Farmers Market. . In Helena, contact Helena Food Share for information.

Single - Monthly income must be under $1926 and annual income must be under $16,237.

Couple - Monthly income must be under $2,607 and annual income must be under $32,284.

Telephone Assistance

Discount on phone services for those enrolled in Medicaid.

Medically Needy Medicaid

Medicaid on an as need basis, monthly.

Elderly Tax Credit- Homeowner or Renter Credit

Tax credit up to $1,000, Lot rent and housing rent can be claimed for renters. Property tax can be claimed for homeowners. Total household income must be less than $45,000 and you must be 62 or older. Call the Department of Revenue at (406) 444-6900 and ask for 2EC tax credit forms. This credit can be done for prior years (Ask Department of Revenue, what years you can apply for). If you would like free, confidential help in Lincoln, call Judy Spath at 459-0069 and she will meet you at the Lincoln Library.

Phone for Rocky Mountain Development Council: 406-447-1680 or 800-356-6544.