What is Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs? Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited resources and income may also be able to get Extra Help to pay for the costs — monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments — related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,900 per year. Many people qualify for these important savings and don’t even know it. To qualify for Extra Help: • You must reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia; • Your resources must be limited to $14,390 for an individual or $28,720 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your home, car, or any life insurance policy as resources; and • Your annual income must be limited to $18,735 for an individual or $25,365 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Some examples where you may have higher income and still qualify for Extra Help include if you or your spouse: —Support other family members who live with you; 2 —Have earnings from work; or —Live in Alaska or Hawaii. How do I apply? Applying for Extra Help is easy. Just complete Social Security’s Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Here’s how: • Apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp; • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone or to request an application; or • Apply at your local Social Security office. After you apply, Social Security will review your application and send a letter to you to let you know if you qualify for Extra Help. Once you qualify, you can choose a Medicare prescription drug plan. If you don’t select a plan, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will do it for you. The sooner you join a plan, the sooner you begin receiving benefits. source: socialsecurity.gov