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You Can Apply Online For Extra Help With Medicare
Prescription Drug Coverage
By Tom Clark
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Medicare beneficiaries who want to apply for the extra financial help that is available under the new prescription drug program can do so at Social Security’s website -- www.socialsecurity.gov. For anyone who qualifies, this extra help can go a long way in paying for the premiums, deductibles and co-payments related to the Medicare prescription drug program that goes into effect in January 2006.
If you are a Medicare beneficiary who qualifies for the extra help, you could save an average of $2,100 annually.
Who qualifies?
Basically, to qualify for the extra help, a person or married couple living together must have limited income and limited resources. You can qualify for this help as an individual if your total annual income is below $14,355 and your resources are valued below $10,000. The limits for a married couple living together are higher: $19,245 in combined annual income and $20,000 in resources. These resources can be slightly higher -- an additional $1,500 per person -- if you will be using some of your money for burial expenses. Even if your income is higher, you still may be able to get some extra help.
Social Security is working to make sure that everyone who might be eligible for this extra help applies for it. We are mailing letters to nearly 19 million people who are potentially eligible for this extra financial help. And we are working with federal and state agencies, advocacy groups and other interested parties in communities across the country to get the word out about the new program and the extra help that is available.
If people think they might be eligible for the extra help, one of the fastest, easiest and most convenient ways to apply is by going online.
How to apply online
Social Security’s website is www.socialsecurity.gov. Just go there and click on “New Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.” To get a quick idea as to whether or not you would be eligible for the extra help, choose “Qualifier Tool.” After answering a brief series of questions, you will know whether you probably do or do not qualify for the extra help with prescription drug costs.
If you do seem to qualify, simply fill out an Application while online. The Application is easy-to-understand and helpful instruction sheets guide you through the Application process.
It is also especially important for everyone who applies to understand that even if they qualify for the extra help, they still need to enroll in a Medicare-approved prescription drug plan to obtain both coverage and the extra help.
If you don’t have Internet access, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and representatives will be glad to assist you or send you an Application for the extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plans, which you can sign up for beginning November 15, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov.
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