Economic Security Assistance (ESA) team helps low-income adults with Medicare in Texas apply for government assistance programs

The ESA team at WellMed assists with thousands of applications per year that can help adults with Medicare save as much as $8,400 per year

Economic Security Assistance is a WellMed department that helps adults with Medicare in Texas in applying for two government assistance programs at no cost. Both programs are based on income and asset limits, potentially saving them thousands of dollars per year.

• Medicare Savings Program: MSP is a state program that helps pay for monthly Medicare Part B premium.
  • Potential savings: $2,200/year
• Low Income Subsidy: LIS is a federal program that provides extra help with the cost of monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments related to Medicare prescription drug plan.
  • Potential savings: $6,200/year

The ESA team will confidentially guide the applicant in completing the application for these programs. For example, the MSP application can be 20 pages or more, which can be a challenge for some. The team also reviews completed applications for accuracy and will follow up to ensure they were processed.

The team receives referrals from WellMed physicians, social workers and other WellMed departments, as well as satisfied prior applicants and community members.

Dr. Marissa Charles, of WellMed at Ingram Park in San Antonio, said she refers her patients to the ESA team, particularly to ensure money is not a barrier to filling their prescriptions. Financial well-being has a direct impact on their health.

In 2025, rules changed for Medicare Part D, the prescription drug benefit. Some individuals had a difficult time meeting their prescription copays. Dr. Charles said that left them at risk of not taking their medication as prescribed.

“Patients were lost, they were confused, they didn’t understand why they were getting bills,” Dr. Charles said. “It helped to know there was a program available that would take patients by the hand and help them get the support they needed.”

ESA’s personal touch

ESA is made up of 8 team members, half of which have served in the department for over 10 years. Celina Fabela, a WellMed social worker, said “ESA communication is fantastic. Their follow-up is amazing.”  She values the impact to patients she refers, and appreciates the collaboration.

The many thank-you cards and letters the ESA team has received over the years demonstrate gratitude and are a testament to the impact this small team has made.

Lisa Bailey, a WellMed patient in San Antonio, has received help from ESA team member Claudia Del Bosque, for the past 10 years. “I used to be scared to fill out that form, but she said, don’t worry, we’ll get this done,” Bailey said. Claudia is so good, I just wish everybody I knew, and every business, had a Claudia. Business would be easy and fun.”

“I love what I do, I love helping people,” Claudia said. “It’s nice when someone is able to tell you that you made a difference.”

Fabiola Calderon, manager of the ESA team, shared that she has received an abundance of heart-felt compliments for each member of the team. She said working with the ESA team over the last 16 years has been very rewarding, and that she values being a part of an organization that cares not only for the well-being of WellMed patients, but also all older adults in the community.