Program Description
Montana’s Big Sky Rx Program, or BSRx for short, is a state pharmaceutical assistance program that helps seniors by providing financial assistance to cover the costs of their Medicare Part D premiums. Depending on the individual and the Medicare Part D plan in which they are enrolled, the financial assistance could pay as much as the entire monthly premium. This program is managed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and is funded by a tax on tobacco products.
Did You Know? The Big Sky State has the lowest obesity rate of all 50 states.
Eligibility Guidelines
To be eligible for this program, seniors must meet the requirements that follow. Note that one’s assets, although requested on the application, are not considered an eligibility factor.
General Requirements
- Be a Montana resident.
- Be enrolled in or willing to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan.
- Cannot be enrolled in Medicaid benefits or have received Medicaid benefits in the past 12 months.
Financial Requirements
In 2023, single or widowed applicants are permitted an annual income of up to $29,160. This works out to a monthly income of $2,430. Married couples (or two-person households) are allowed an annual income of up to $39,440, which equates to $3,286 a month. Assets are not considered.
Make note, individuals with an annual income under $21,870, and couples with a yearly income under $29,580, can apply for Extra Help, a federal program that helps with Medicare Part D co-pays, premiums and deductibles. An asset limit does apply for Extra Help. As of 2023, a single individual can have up to $15,510 in assets and a married couple can have as much as $30,950. Learn more here.
Benefits and Services
Big Sky Rx recipients get assistance paying for their Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan monthly premiums, up to $38.90. There is no enrollment fee and there are no costs associated with participating in the program.
How to Apply / Learn More
This program is open to residents statewide, and there are no specific enrollment periods throughout the year. To apply, submit an application online, call 866-369-1233, or download an application and mail it to Big Sky Rx Program, PO Box 202915, Helena, MT 59620-2915 once it’s completed. To learn more, visit the Big Sky Rx website or call their toll free number at 866-369-1233.
The state of Illinois has two programs designed to provide financial assistance to the elderly to help them purchase their prescription drugs. Rx Basic is for individuals without Medicare insurance and the Rx Plus is designed for those on Medicare.
Rx Plus is known as a Medicare wraparound program which means the benefits wrap around those benefits provided by a Medicare Part D plan. When making a prescription purchase, Medicare Part D is the first payer and then this program contributes towards those costs the Part D plan does not cover.
