Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK)
What is SHICK?
SHICK offers one-on-one, non-biased counseling and assistance to individuals and families either getting ready to sign up for Medicare, or those who already have Medicare. Volunteer counselors receive training on Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, and other health insurance issues that concern Kansans. SHICK counselors are not affiliated with the insurance industry. If you are new to Medicare or have questions about Medicare or Medicare related issues, SHICK counselors are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for one-on-one appointments.
Medicare Options Classes
Medicare Options Classes are held several times during the year (between the months of January through June). Options classes provide basic information on Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap or Supplemental Insurance Plans and Medicare Prescription Drug coverage.
Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment is from October 15-December 7. During this time period you can:
- Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage.
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage.
- Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
- Switch from one Medicare drug plan to another Medicare drug plan.
- Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.
Do You Need Help Paying for Your Medications?
You may qualify for Extra Help if you have:
- Income less than 150% of the federal poverty level.
- Limited resources, such as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, IRA's.
If you qualify for Extra Help:
- Medicare will pay 75% or more of your prescription drug costs.
- You will automatically recieve help paying for:
- Premiums
- Deductibles
- Co-pays on your medications
- No coverage gap
To apply for Extra Help visit: Social Security Administration
2023-Medicare Savings Program Guidelines
Medicare Savings Program | Individual Monthly Income Limit | Married Couple Monthly Income Limit | MSP Pays for: |
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary-QMB | $1,215 | $1,643 | Part A, Part B, Part D Premiums and Co-payment, deductibles & co-insurance |
Low Income Medicare Beneficiary-LMB | $1,458 | $1,1972 | Part B Premium |
Expanded Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary-ELMB | $1,640 | $2,219 | Part B Premium |
*The amounts listed above include a standard $20 income disregard.
MSP Asset Guidelines | Single | Married |
Asset Guidelines: Includes checking, savings, retirement accounts, IRA’s, and CD’s | with burial exclusion: $10,590 | with burial exclusion: $16,630 |
without burial exclusion: $9,090 | without burial exclusion: $13,630 |
2023-Extra Help-Income Guidelines
Extra Help | Single | Married |
Includes Social Security, veterans pensions, work income, and retirement pension | Full: $1,640 | Full: $2,156 |
Partial: $2,219 | Partial: $2,465 | |
Asset Guidelines: Includes checking, savings, retirement accounts, IRA’s, and CD’s | with burial exclusion: $16,660 | with burial exclusion: $33,950 |
without burial exclusion: $15,160 | without burial exclusion: $30,240 |
*The amounts listed above include a standard $20 income disregard
To apply visit: KanCare
For more information or to recieve a paper application, please contact our office.
