Medicaid Benefits Counselors

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas (AAAPP) understands how difficult it may be to apply for Medicaid benefits as a senior citizen. Many seniors are afraid to ask for help or just do not know where to turn for assistance with Medicaid and the application process. Others do not have access to the online application process and do not have transportation to any of the application centers or libraries. The AAAPP has Medicaid Benefits Counselors to help seniors age 60 and over. Please do not hesitate to call us. Counselors will provide screening over the phone and if you are eligible they will assist step-by-step through the application process at no cost. Please do not be afraid to ask for help. These programs were designed to help you.

There is NO COST for this program!

Call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or 727-217-8111 and ask for a Medicaid Benefits Counselor or for assistance from other AAAPP programs.

• Medicaid Benefits Counselors are here to screen and assist individuals age 60 and over who are Medicaid eligible.
• Counselors are available Monday through Friday 8 am -5pm by telephone or by appointment. All applicable forms and step-by-step assistance will be provided for you.

Other AAAPP programs:

• Under 60 callers who receive Medicare may inquire about assistance completing applications for assistance that is offered through other programs at the Area Agency on Aging.
• Over 60 callers who need assistance completing SNAP (foodstamp) applications are served by another program at the AAAPP.

Medicaid Programs Available

Medicare/Medicaid Buy-In Programs

A. Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) Individuals who qualify for QMB are eligible to have Medicaid pay for Medicare Premiums for Parts A and B, Medicare deductibles, and Medicare coinsurance within the prescribed limits.

B. Special Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Individuals who are eligible for SLMB are eligible to have Medicaid pay Medicare directly for Medicare premiums for Part B.

C. Qualified Individuals 1 (QI1) Individuals who are eligible for QI1are eligible to have Medicaid pay Medicare directly for Medicare premiums for Part B. The income limits are higher than SLMB and payment is only guaranteed through the end of the year the application was made

Medically Needy 'Share of Cost' provides Medicaid for persons with high medical bills but who are not eligible for Medicaid because their income or assets are too high. Those enrolled in this program must incur a certain amount of medical bills each month, which is known as 'Share of Cost'. This amount is based on income and household size. Once the share of cost is reached, then DCF can approve Medicaid benefits for the remainder of that month only. Medicaid does not cover the costs of prescription drugs for Medicare recipients who must now use the Medicare Part D prescription coverage.

Income amounts vary by program, so call 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or 727-217-8111 to see if you are eligible.