Help for
Caregivers

Press Release -- September 15, 2008

Hundreds of Seniors Eligible for Help With Prescription Drug Costs

Denver, CO. The high cost of prescription drugs continues to be of concern to many low income seniors. Many people who are eligible for assistance through Extra Help or the Low Income Subsidy Program through Medicare Part D have not enrolled in this important benefit.

To be eligible for this program, Medicare beneficiaries must have income below 150% of poverty or $15,600 for a single person ($21,000 for a married couple) and resources below $11,990 ($23,970 for a married person). Some resources such as the house, two automobiles, and household furnishings are exempt and are not counted. In addition, the cash value of life insurance policies up to $1500 is considered exempt.

To apply for benefits individuals must have current account balances for checking and savings accounts, investment statements, life insurance policy statements, stock certificates, tax returns, pension award letters and payroll slips (if employed). To apply individuals can apply online at socialsecurity.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The benefit of the Extra Help program is that Medicare will pay the monthly premium for the Medicare Part D plan if the individual is enrolled in a stand-alone prescription drug plan; or the portion of the monthly premium for Medicare Part D if an individual is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan such as an HMO or a private-fee-for-service plan. In 2009, if the Medicare Part D premium is less than $30.17, Medicare will pay the entire premium. If the premium is more than $30.17, individuals can stay with the Part D plan they have selected, or they can change to a cheaper Medicare Part D plans.

In addition, individuals who are eligible for this benefit pay $1.05 or $2.25 for generic drugs and $3.10 or $5.60 for brand-name drugs, depending on their income. In addition, individuals are covered during the coverage gap (or the doughnut hole) and are not subject to deductibles.

Individuals who are already receiving Old Age Pension, Supplemental Security Income, Home and Community Based Services, and/or Medicaid in a nursing home are automatically enrolled in the program and do not need to apply.

Individuals who are also receiving the Medicare Savings Program, including Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Special Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLIMB) or Qualifying Individual (QI-1) are automatically enrolled in Extra Help as well.

For individuals who are currently enrolled in Extra Help, Medicare is sending color coded letters to Medicare beneficiaries who are currently receiving assistance.

If individuals are enrolled in the Extra Help program and are not satisfied with the Prescription Drug Plan due to some drugs not being covered by the plan or for other reasons, individuals can change plans on a monthly basis. To change plans call the 1-800-Medicare for assistance.

Hundreds of individuals are eligible for this program, but have not enrolled. If you think you might be eligible, please call 303-333-3482 for assistance.