Cost Saving Programs in 2026

Medicare Savings Programs pay the Part B premium for single people with gross monthly incomes of less than $2,494 ($3,375 if married). If you are single with a monthly income of less than $1,856 ($2,509 if married) these programs may also pay your Part A and Part B copays and deductibles.  You apply for these programs at the Saratoga County Department of Social Services. If you receive a Medicare Savings Program, you automatically receive Full Extra Help (see below).  

Extra Help is a federal program that can help pay prescription drug costs. It will pay a portion or all of your monthly drug premium, you will have lower prescription drug co-pays, and no drug deductible. You can apply directly at Social Security, but if you do the eligible income levels at Social Security are less than the eligible income levels for the Medicare Savings Program, and there is a limit on savings and assets.   If you receive a Medicare Savings Program you automatically receive Full Extra Help, and it is not necessary to apply at Social Security.

The New York State EPIC program can lower your prescription drug co-pays, you’ll have more flexibility in changing your Part D drug plan, and for lower income people it can also help pay your Part D drug premium. To be eligible, you must be 65 or older, a New York State resident and be enrolled in a Part D drug plan - either a standalone plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.  You are eligible if your annual income is less than $75,000 for a single person or $100,000 for a married person.

Several websites offer discounts for prescription drugs.  The discounts do not apply sometimes for people on Medicare.  See some of these sites below.