Alaska gets $271,814 in federal Medicare enrollment grants, most of it to tribal organizations

The Administration for Community Living has awarded the Alaska Department of Health in Juneau $96,934 in federal grants to help low-income seniors afford Medicare, through outreach and application assistance.

The three grants, allocated by formula, not competed for, under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: $51,443 for State Health Insurance Assistance Program counseling, $36,233 for Area Agencies on Aging and $9,258 for Aging and Disability Resource Centers. The award period runs Sept. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2028.

Sixteen more awards, worth $174,880, went to Alaska tribal organizations for one year, bringing the state total to $271,814. Tanana Chiefs Conference, listed as Dena Nena Henash, is the largest recipient at $53,990 across six awards. Arctic Slope Native Association in Utqiaġvik got $14,420.

The money targets Medicare Savings Programs, which pay Part B premiums, and the Part D Low-Income Subsidy, or Extra Help, which eliminates Part D premiums and deductibles.

Alaska's population age 60 and older hit an estimated 152,967 in 2022, about 21% of the state, with 7% living in poverty, according to the state's senior services plan for federal fiscal years 2024-27.

Seniors seeking free counseling can call the Medicare Information Office at 1-800-478-6065.