Help For Meds - Retirement Connection

Extra Help For Prescriptions

Do you or someone you know qualify for Extra Help for the Medicare Prescription Drug Program?

One of the ways you can stretch your dollars is to determine if you qualify for Extra Help from Medicare. CMS estimates that 21% of the people eligible for this program are not receiving it because they have not submitted the application.

Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for the Extra Help if they have limited income and resources. The Extra Help can increase their cost savings by paying for part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program. The Extra Help could be worth up to $3,600 per year.

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-173), enacted December 8, 2003, requires the Social Security Administration to undertake a number of additional Medicare-related responsibilities. The Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are working together to provide persons with limited income and resources Extra Help paying for their prescription drugs. Social Security’s role in this partnership is to help the public understand how they may qualify and apply.

You should complete this Application for Extra Help on the Internet if:

You have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
You live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia; and
Your combined savings, investments, and real estate are not worth more than $23,970, if you are married and living with your spouse, or $11,990 if you are not currently married or not living with your spouse. (DO NOT include the home you live in, vehicles, personal possessions, burial plots or irrevocable burial contracts.) If you have more than those amounts, you may not qualify for the Extra Help. However, you can still enroll in an approved Medicare prescription drug plan for coverage.

Article Provided by:
Family Care Health Plans
(866) 225-CARE
www.FamilyCareInc.org

If you or someone you know would like help about this program, or if you would like us to assist you in completing the application, please contact us at 1 866 225-CARE Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. TTY users should call 800-735-2900. FamilyCare offers a plan that combines your Medicare and Prescription Drug program with a $0 premium if you qualify for a 100% Extra Help (LIS).

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation website and the Social Security Administration website