Extra Help for People with Limited Incomes: The New Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
How Do I Apply for The Extra Help?
Each person must apply separately. There is no joint application for couples. You can apply any time. But the sooner you apply, the sooner you'll find out if you're eligible for Extra Help. People who already receive certain types of government assistance will automatically qualify for the Extra Help and need not apply (see "What if I Already Get Government Assistance?").
Anyone who is not automatically eligible for the Extra Help needs to apply to get it. You can apply on your own or, if you prefer, someone else can help you or do it for you. That includes a family member, friend, caregiver, legal representative, social worker or a counselor who helps people with health insurance issues.
If you think you might qualify for the Extra Help, contact the Social Security Administration or Medicaid office as soon as possible, in any of the ways explained below. The application can be made:
By Internet - You may apply online through the Social Security Administration's website. No signature is required. You may also go to www.aarp.org/quicklink and click on the Benefits QuickLINK tool to find the Extra Help application.
By Mail - Get an application from the Social Security Administration. Fill it out and mail it back. If you are married and living with your spouse, both you and your spouse must sign it. You can get an application by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Send the completed application to:
Social Security Administration
Wilkes-Barre Data Operations Center
P.O. Box 1020
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18767-9910- By Phone - Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). A Social Security worker will complete the application with you over the phone. No signature is required.
- In Person - You may apply by going to your local Social Security or Medicaid office, or to a nonprofit agency such as your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), where a counselor can give you free personal help. To find addresses and phone numbers, see Where Can I Go for More Help?
If I apply, will there be a lot of red tape?
There is one, eight-page application form that you must fill out, and you may get phone calls from Social Security to get more information if you do not answer all questions on the application. This is necessary because the law requires you to provide information about your income and assets in order to qualify for the Extra Help. But, you don't have to show or give the Social Security Administration or Medicaid office any of your papers or records.
What if I can't find all the information that is needed to apply?
Collect what you can and apply. If you can't find something, giving a good estimate of the amount is okay. Under Social Security Administration rules, someone from Social Security must contact you to fill in any missing information.
What happens after I apply?
Social Security will send you a letter telling you if you qualify for this Extra Help or not. If you qualify, you must then choose and join a Medicare prescription drug plan that meets your needs.
