Extra Help in 2008 Could Save you $100s – even $1,000s, on Your Prescription Drugs
Many people on Medicare can get Extra Help paying for Medicare out-of-pocket drug costs. It can reduce or eliminate premiums, deductibles, and co-payments, and provide coverage all year long (no donut hole). You could save a lot of money paying for prescriptions, thousands of dollars a year in some cases.
Who should apply for Extra Help?
People with Medicare whose:- Annual income is less than $15,315 ($1,276 per mo.) for a single person or less than $20,535 ($1,711 per month) for a married couple living together.
- Resources and assets (savings accounts and investments) after February 2008 are $11,990 or less (single person) or $23,970 or less (married couple living together.)
When to apply?
You can apply at any time. But the sooner you do, the sooner you'll find out if you're eligible for Extra Help. If you qualify, you won't have to pay a late enrollment penalty when you sign up for a private drug plan.
How to apply for Extra Help from Social Security:
- On line: www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp/ (This is the fastest way!)
- By Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213.
- By Mail: Call 1-800-772-1213 to request a paper application.
Complete it and send it to
Social Security Administration
Wilkes-Barre Data Operations Center
P. O. Box 1020
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18767-9910
- In person: The local address for Social Security is in the blue pages of your phone book.
- AARP: Go to Benefits QuickLINK [www.aarp.org/quicklink] for the application.
- If you qualify for Extra Help, you must also enroll in a Medicare Part D drug plan approved by Medicare to receive savings on your prescription costs.
- Medicare has a drug plan finder on its website at www.medicare.gov/ to find a plan that meets your needs. You can also get this information by calling the Medicare help line at 1-877-633-4227. To get more help choosing a plan, contact your State Health Insurance Program (see below). If you do not choose a plan, Medicare will select one for you.
- If the Social Security Administration tells you that you don't qualify for Extra Help, you have 60 days to appeal the decision. You can file an appeal at one of its local offices or by mail, phone, or fax. (See contact information below.)
- Even without Extra Help, you will likely save money on prescription drugs by joining a Medicare drug plan. You can enroll when you first become eligible for Medicare, or between November 15 and December 31 each year.
- Use AARP's Benefits QuickLINK to find other drug benefits through state pharmacy assistance programs or drug manufacturer's patient assistance programs. You may also be eligible for programs that cut the cost of other expenses such as utilities or property tax. Answer a short survey; get fact sheets, applications, and websites for programs that fit your situation at www.aarp.org/benefitsquicklink.
- Social Security (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778.
- Medicare at 1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free unbiased insurance counseling and help with other benefit assistance available for you. Call Medicare to find a state program.
- Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is an agency that connects older people and caregivers to services and programs. Find a local AAA at 1-800-677-1116.
