FILING FOR "EXTRA HELP"

Some beneficiaries are eligible for extra help to pay for the annual deductible, premiums, and co-payments related to the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program.  Medicare estimates that the average beneficiary eligible for extra help will receive $2,100 each year in additional support to help cover drug costs.

Who is eligible?

For beneficiaries who receive both Medicare and Medicaid, they will automatically be enrolled for help paying premiums, deductibles and co-pays of Medicare prescription drug coverage.  However, others may also qualify for extra help.

Beneficiaries can apply for assistance through the Social Security Administration or the State Medical Assistance Office.  The Social Security Administration this summer mailed applications to all beneficiaries who they believed would be eligible for this assistance.  However, if a beneficiary did not receive an application they may still be eligible for assistance: 

• A single person with an annual income of $14,355 or a married person living with their spouse with an annual income of $19,245 may qualify for assistance.  Higher income levels may apply if that person supports other family members living with them.
• A single person with financial resources under $11,500 (not including home and car) or a married couple with resources under $23,000 may be eligible for assistance.

The amount of help depends on income and resource levels.  IF A BENEFICIARY IS UNCERTAIN IF THEY ARE ELIGIBLE, THEY SHOULD APPLY.  For more information on who can get assistance with prescription drug costs and for information on how to apply, beneficiaries can: 

• Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (Ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs, SSA-1020)
• For TTY users, call 1-800-325-0778
• Visit www.socialsecurity.gov on the Internet
• Visit a Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services service center or regional office (click here for locations)
• Call Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas at 1-800-860-5260 to access trained counselors to work with beneficiaries over the phone or in person.

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