The Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program provides prescription drug coverage. If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get help paying for your monthly premiums, deductibles and co-payments under this prescription drug program.
What is the ”extra help?”
The help available to you depends on your income and resources, and changes every year. You may qualify if your:
- Monthly income was below $1,226 if you are single, or $1,651 if you are married. You may not have to pay monthly premiums or deductibles, and you could pay as little as $2 for your co-payments.
- Resources are less than $11,500 if you are single, or $23,00 if you are married. These resource limits can be slightly higher (an additional $1,500 per person) if you will use some of your money for burial expenses. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. Your house and car are not counted as resources.
What should I do next?
If you have both Medicaid and Medicare, Medicare and Supplemental Security Income, or if the state pays for your Medicare premiums, you will automatically get this extra help. You do not have to do anything.
If you do not fall into one of the categories listed above, you can begin the application process by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or apply online.
After you apply, Social Security will review your application and send you a letter to let you know if you qualify for the extra help. If you qualify, you will need to enroll in a Medicare-approved prescription drug plan to get help with your prescription costs.
How can I get more information?
For more information about getting help with your prescription drug costs, call Social Security at 1-800-722-1212 or visit their Web site.
To learn more about how Medicare Part D will affect you if you have both Medicare and Medicaid, check this online information.
To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug benefit call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-325-0778) or visit the Medicare Web site.
If you need assistance completing your application, Medicare benefit counselors are available to help. Call 1-800-252-9240.