Seniors in Seattle who have difficulty affording health care may rely on Social Security retirement benefits or live on other very low incomes. Several programs help seniors pay for medical care and numerous medical and dental clinics in Seattle provide low-cost treatment for seniors who cannot afford to pay full price for the care they need.
Medicare
Medicare helps pay for some health care services for seniors in Seattle, including those with low incomes. Part A covers inpatient hospital care, while Part B covers outpatient treatment and Part D covers prescription drugs. Seniors must pay monthly premiums for Medicare Parts B and D but those with low incomes can qualify for assistance paying those premiums. For information call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
Medicaid
Washington state Medicaid pays covers health care for low-income seniors. Seniors must have limited resources as well as low incomes to qualify. Medicaid covers things such as inpatient hospital care, emergency room care, visits to doctors, laboratory tests such as X-rays and blood work, some home health care services and mental health care. To apply for Medicaid seniors should contact the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services office that serves people living in their ZIP code. See the Resources section for a list of offices. Call 800-562-3022 for information.
Low-Cost Medical Care
A number of medical clinics in Seattle provide low-cost medical care to seniors. These clinics accept Medicare and Medicaid, and for seniors without either coverage they provide services on a sliding scale. They base the fee on the senior's income. See the Resources section for a list of Neighborcare Health clinics that provide services to seniors on a sliding scale.
Low-Cost Dental Care
A number of dental clinics in Seattle provide low-cost care to seniors. These clinics accept Medicaid, and for seniors without Medicaid coverage they provide services on a sliding scale. Many seniors benefit from this because Medicare does not cover most dental care. Several Neighborcare clinics provide dental care as well as medical care.
Mental Health Care
The King County Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division of the Department of Community and Health Services provides a number of mental health services for low-income seniors in Seattle, including crisis intervention and outpatient mental health and chemical dependency treatment. They also help pay for inpatient mental health treatment for low-income seniors.
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