Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs

You can help someone you know or love, save big on their Medicare Prescription Drug Plan costs. Medicare beneficiaries can qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be on Medicare, have limited income and resources, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.

The Medicare Prescription Drug Program gives you a choice of prescription plans that offer various types of coverage. The Extra Help program can help pay for the monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. However, you must be enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to get this Extra Help.

To qualify for Extra Help:

• Your resources must be limited to $12,640 for an individual or $25,260 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, bonds. Resources do not include your home, car, and any life insurance policy; and
• Your annual income must be limited to $16,335 for an individual or $22,065 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help.

Once your application is reviewed, the Social Security Administration will send you a letter to let you know if you qualify for Extra Help. Applying for this help is easy! Contact your local S.H.I.P for applications and application assistance.