Extra Help Program for Prescription Drug Costs

Are you eligible for Extra Help? Extra Help is a program for people on Medicare that have Medicare prescription drug coverage. The Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) Program/Extra Help, helps pay for Part D prescription drug costs including premiums, deductibles and prescription drug copayments. The program is for people with income (2009) of $16,245 or less for an individual or $21,855 or less for a married couple that is living together. There are some circumstances where you can still qualify if your annual income is higher. Resources (2009) cannot exceed $12,510 for an individual and $25,010 for a married couple that is living together. The good news is that some things such as your home or car do not count as resources.

To get further information or apply for Extra Help contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

You may also apply online by completing Social Security’s Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (Form SSA-1020) or visit your local Social Security Office.

This information is courtesy of Sharon Timko, president of Senior Independence, Inc. a nonprofit organization, dedicated to educating seniors, their families, and those that serve our older community. We provide information on programs, resources, and benefits that help our older community remain independent. For more information on our free class call 760-521-9033 or log onto: http://www.seniorindependencesandiego.com/.