Beginning January 1, 2006, a new program will provide prescription drug coverage under Medicare. If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get extra help paying for your monthly premiums, deductibles and co-payments under this prescription drug program.
What is the extra help?
+ Support other family members who live with you;
+ Have earnings from work; or
+ Live in Alaska or Hawaii.
What should I do next?
If you have both Medicaid with prescription drug coverage and Medicare, Medicare and Supplemental Security Income, or if your state pays for your Medicare premiums, you automatically will get this extra help. You do not have to do anything.
Also, from June through August 2005, millions of Medicare beneficiaries who may be eligible for the extra help will be mailed an Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (Form SSA-1020). If you receive an application, you should complete and return it as soon as possible. If you do not receive an application in the mail or do not want to wait, you can get one by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Beginning July 1, 2005, you can also apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov.
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 need to enroll in a Medicare-approved prescription drug plan to get help with your prescription costs. You can select a plan between November 15, 2005, and May 15, 2006, but the earlier you enroll in a plan, the sooner you can begin to save money on your prescription drugs.
How can I get more information?
For more information about getting help with your prescription drug costs, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plan, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov.
