Benefits for seniors in Alaska

Medicaid for people 65 and over

Alaska Medicaid is run by the Alaska Department of Health. The Division of Public Assistance (DPA) decides who qualifies. People 65 and over, and people who are blind or permanently disabled, are looked at under the "adult long-term care" group, not the regular income-only rules used for younger adults.

• Who qualifies: You must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled, live in Alaska, and have income and assets under the limits. Alaska's limits change each year. Check the current limits with DPA at 800-478-7778 before you decide not to apply.
• If you get SSI: You are not signed up for Medicaid automatically. You must apply with DPA.
• What it covers: Doctor and hospital care, emergency dental care, some routine dental care up to a yearly dollar cap, one eye exam a year, glasses every two years, and rides to medical visits when they are approved ahead of time.
• If you have Medicare too: Medicare Part D covers your prescriptions, and you do not pay a Part D premium or deductible.
• Member questions: Call the Alaska Medicaid Recipient Helpline at 800-780-9972, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Long-term care. Medicaid can pay for nursing home care, and for care at home through waivers (see "Help staying at home" below). DPA checks your income and assets through an interview and application. The Senior and Disabilities Services assessment unit checks whether you need nursing-home-level care. The income limit for long-term care, the amount you keep for personal needs, and the amounts a spouse at home can keep all change each year. Ask DPA at 800-478-7778 for the current figures.

Estate recovery. If you are over 55 and get Medicaid, or you get nursing home or other institutional care, the state may recover some of what it paid from your estate after you die. This can include a lien on your property.

Coming in 2027: New work rules start in January 2027. They apply to some adults 19 to 64. People on Medicare are listed as likely not affected.

Help paying Medicare costs

The Medicare Savings Programs pay some or all of your Medicare costs. Because Alaska has its own poverty guideline, the income limits here are higher than in the lower 48 states.

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Pays your Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copays. Income up to $1,683 a month for one person, or $2,275 for a couple.
• SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Pays your Part B premium. Income up to $2,015 a month for one person, or $2,725 for a couple.
• QI (Qualifying Individual): Pays your Part B premium. Income up to $2,265 a month for one person, or $3,064 for a couple.
• Assets: Up to $9,950 for one person, or $14,910 for a couple.

Some income is not counted, so apply even if you are a little over. Alaska Medicaid may call this the "Medicare buy-in." If you get any of these programs, you also get Extra Help with drug costs automatically. Apply through DPA.

Prescription drug help

We could not find a state program in Alaska that helps seniors pay for prescriptions. The main help is federal Extra Help, which lowers Medicare Part D costs. The Medicare Information Office can help you compare drug plans for free.

Extra state payment with SSI

Alaska pays its own monthly cash payment called Adult Public Assistance (APA). It adds to SSI and helps with rent, food, heat, and other basic costs. The state runs it, not Social Security, so you apply with DPA.

• Who qualifies: You are 65 or older, or you are 18 or older and blind or disabled. You must live in Alaska and apply for other benefits you may get, such as SSI.
• Assets: Up to $2,000 for one person, or $3,000 for a couple. Not everything you own is counted.
• Amount: The payment depends on your income and where you live. Check the current amount with DPA at 800-478-7778.

Senior Benefits

Senior Benefits is a separate Alaska cash program for people 65 and older. It pays $125, $175, or $250 a month, depending on your income. The lower your income, the more you get. Savings and other assets are not counted. To get the highest payment, your income must be under 75% of Alaska's poverty guideline. The middle payment is for income under 100%, and the lowest for income under 175%. The dollar limits change each year, so check the current chart with DPA. Payments go on your Alaska Quest card unless you sign up for direct deposit.

Food help

SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) puts food money on your Alaska Quest card.

• Easier rules for seniors: If someone in your home is 60 or older or disabled, the asset limit is $4,750 instead of the usual limit. Your full housing and utility costs can be counted, and medical costs over $35 a month can be taken off your income.
• Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP): If no one in your home has a paycheck and all adults are 60 or older or disabled, you renew only every 36 months, with no interim report and usually no interview.
• Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: If you are 60 or older, have income below 185% of the poverty level, and live in a participating community (such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai, Palmer, Wasilla, Soldotna, or Kodiak), you can get $55 for Alaska-grown produce and honey. The 2026 season ends October 31, 2026. Sign up through a local senior distribution agency, such as Food Bank of Alaska at 907-222-3125.

Apply for SNAP online at alaskaconnect.ilinx.com/engage/dpa or call 800-478-7778.

Help staying at home

• Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) waiver: Medicaid home and community care for adults 21 and over who need nursing-home-level care. Services can include respite, chores, care coordination, home changes for safety, and residential living. You must meet Medicaid income and asset limits.
• Community First Choice and Personal Care Services: Medicaid help with daily tasks like bathing and dressing at home.
• Senior In-Home Services grants: For people 60 and older with low income who need help at home and are at risk of moving to a nursing home. Local providers offer case management, chores, respite care, and personal care. Call Senior and Disabilities Services or your ADRC to find the provider near you.
• PACE: We did not find a PACE program listed on Alaska's state pages. Check Medicare's PACE search to see if one serves your area.

For waivers, call Senior and Disabilities Services at 907-269-3666, or start with your local ADRC.

Property tax and housing help

• Senior citizen exemption: If you are 65 or older, every Alaska city and borough must exempt the first $150,000 of assessed value on your primary home. Apply with your local assessor's office. Deadlines are set locally.
• Local extras: Your city or borough may choose to exempt more. Ask your local assessor what is offered where you live.

Help with energy bills

The Heating Assistance Program (HAP) helps pay home heating costs. It includes federal LIHEAP and the state-funded Alaska Affordable Heating Program.

• Who qualifies: Your heating costs are at least $200 a year, and your income is under the limit. For the 2026-2027 season the limit is $3,739 a month for one person, or $5,071 for two.
• When to apply: Heating applications are taken October 1 through April 30. Crisis help is taken September 1 through June 30.
• How to apply: Online through Alaska Connect, by mail or in person at a Public Assistance office, by fax to 888-269-6520, or by email to [email protected]. Questions: 800-478-7778.

Free help and counseling

• Medicare Information Office (Alaska's SHIP): Free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare counseling. Call 1-800-478-6065, or 907-269-3680 in Anchorage. Email [email protected]. The office also helps you spot and report Medicare fraud.
• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC): Free help finding in-home care, transportation, and Medicaid and Medicare options. Call 1-855-565-2017 to reach your regional ADRC. In Anchorage, call 907-343-7770.
• Senior and Disabilities Services: The state division for long-term care and senior services. Call 907-269-3666.

How to apply

Check what you may qualify for