Within the Area Agency on Aging 1-B’s (AAA 1-B) six-county region, there are approximately 28,000 Medicare beneficiaries that qualify to receive extra help under the new Medicare prescription drug benefit, but have not yet applied for this assistance or enrolled in a Medicare drug plan.  It is not too late for persons to apply for extra help and enroll in this benefit.  Beneficiaries can still sign up for a Medicare Prescription Drug plan and pay no penalty for 2006 if they qualify for extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs.

What is extra help?
Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for the extra help if they have limited income and resources. You may be able to get extra help to pay for the premiums, annual deductible, and co-payments related to the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program - an average of $2,100 in extra help.

How can I get extra help?
To get extra help with prescription drug costs, you must complete and submit the Social Security Administration (SSA) Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs.  This application is available by calling the SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or on the SSA’s website at www.ssa.gov.  

What is the “Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs?”

It is an application for extra help with the Medicare prescription drug costs.  It is not an application for coverage under a prescription drug plan.  You will have to enroll directly with an approved Medicare prescription drug provider for coverage.  The SSA application is the first step in the process, and choosing a Medicare plan is the second step.

Who is Eligible to Complete This Application For Extra Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs?
You should complete this application for extra help if:
• You have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance); and
• Your combined savings, investments, and real estate (other than your home) are not worth more than $11,500, if you are single, or $23,000 if you are married and living with your spouse. If you have more than those amounts, you still may be eligible for this extra help.  Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 for more information or if you are uncertain if you qualify.

What is the income limit to qualify for the extra help?

The income annual limits are below $14,700 for an individual or $19,800 for a married couple living together.  Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help, especially if you support other family members who live with you.

What will happen after I apply?
After you apply, the SSA will review your application and send you a letter to let you know if you qualify for the extra help.  If you qualify, you still need to enroll in a Medicare-approved prescription drug plan to get help with your prescription costs.  You can then select a Medicare prescription drug plan and begin saving on your prescriptions.

What if I have further questions about this application?

You may call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to obtain assistance in filling out this application.  You need to call them in advance for an appointment.  You may also call the AAA 1-B Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) at 1-800-803-7174 for questions about enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan once the SSA has approved your application.