If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for extra help paying your prescription drug costs. If you qualify, you will get help paying for your drug plan’s monthly premium, yearly deductible, and prescription copayments.
The amount of extra help you get will be based on your income and resources (including your savings and stocks, but not counting your home or car). In 2009, you may qualify if your monthly income is less than $1,300 ($1,750 for a married couple living together), and your resources are less than $11,990 ($23,970 for a married couple living together).
Social Security sends people with certain incomes an application for this extra help. If you get this application, fill it out and send it back to Social Security as soon as possible. If you don’t get an application, but think you may qualify, call 1-800-772-1213, visit www.socialsecurity.gov on the web, or apply at your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778. After you apply, you will get a letter in the mail letting you know if you qualify, how much extra help you will get, and what you need to do next.
You automatically qualify for extra help and don’t need to apply if you meet any of the following conditions:
- You have Medicare and full Medicaid coverage.
- You get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
- You get help from your state Medicaid program paying your Medicare Part B premiums (belong to a Medicare Savings Program).
