| "extra Help" with Perscription Drug Costs |
 “Extra Help” program now allows more people with Medicare to pay $2.50 for generics, $6.30 for brand name drugs.
Making ends meet shouldn’t mean going without your medications. If you have limited income and resources, Medicare’s “Extra Help” program sets it up so you pay no more than $2.50 for each generic drug and $6.30 for each brand name drug. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates that “Extra Help” can save participating seniors as much as $3,900 per year. Now it’s even easier to qualify for “Extra Help” from Medicare. A new law changed how your income and assets are counted in 2010:
- Life insurace policies don’t count as resources
- Help you get from relatives, friends and others to pay for household expenses—like food, mortgage, rent, heating fuel or gas, electricity, water, and property taxes—do not count as income
Many People Qualify and Don’t Even Know It
These changes mean that more people than ever now will qualify for “Extra Help.” Even if you were turned down for “Extra Help” before, you should reapply. If you qualify, you’ll get help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage premiums, copayments and deductibles.
To qualify, you must make less than $16,245 a year (or $21,855 for married couples). Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some extra help. Your resources must also be limited to $12,510 (or $25,010 for married couples). Resources include bank accounts, stocks and bonds, but not your house or car.
There’s No Cost or Obligation to Apply
It’s easy and free to apply for “Extra Help.” You or a family member, trusted counselor or caregiver can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs. All the information you give is confidential.
Residents 60 years and older who plan to attend any of the above sessions are invited to stay for lunch provided they call the specific senior center location to make a reservation at least two days in advance. There is no charge for the lunch, however, a $1 donation is accepted to help enhance programming. |
