Medicare Prescription Savings

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What you need to know Changes in the law could make more people eligible for Extra Help in 2010

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New law goes into effect January 1, 2010 Some things will no longer count as resources or income More Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for Extra Help Easier to qualify for Extra Help in 2010

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Life insurance will no longer count as a resource Help received from someone else to pay for household expenses will no longer count as income. Examples: Food Mortgage payment or rent Utilities – heating fuel or gas, electricity, water Property taxes Resources and Income ― Changes for 2010

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For 2009: Resources limited to $12,510 for individuals, $25,010 for married couples living together Income limited to $16,245 for individuals, $21,855 for married couples living together These limits may change in 2010 What are the limits to qualify for Extra Help?

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If your current total resources & income are below eligibility limits: Apply now If your current total resources & income are above eligibility limits because of life insurance and household assistance: Apply on or after January 1, 2010 Should you apply now?

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If life insurance or household assistance puts you over eligibility limits, you will not qualify until the new law is effective If you are over the 2009 eligibility limits and apply before January 1, 2010, you will be denied and will have to apply again Why wait to apply?

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Beginning January 1, 2010, when you apply for Extra Help, it can start the application process for the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) Social Security will send your information to your state unless you tell us not to on the Extra Help application Your state will contact you to help you complete the MSP application What else does the new law say?

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For some, it may help pay for Part A (hospital insurance) premiums, and Part A & Part B deductibles and co-payments Advantages of the Medicare Savings Programs Help pay for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums

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Complete the Application for Extra Help with Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020) Apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov Call Social Security to apply over the phone or request an application at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Apply at your local Social Security office Social Security will review your application and send you a letter to let you know if you qualify How do I apply for Extra Help?

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Why apply online? Step-by-step help screens guide you through questions Apply from any computer at your own pace Start and stop at any time—return later to finish A relative, friend or caregiver can help Online application is secure

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You can choose a plan, regardless of whether you qualify for Extra Help If you qualify for Extra Help and do not select a plan, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will select one for you If you prefer another plan, you can change plans The sooner you join a plan, the sooner you receive benefits Choosing a Medicare prescription drug plan

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Visit www.socialsecurity.gov orCall Social Security at 1-800-772-1213(TTY 1-800-325-0778) Need more information about Extra Help?

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Need more information about Medicare? For information on Medicare Savings Programs, enrolling in specific drug plan, or to get the Medicare & You, 2009 handbook: Visit www.medicare.gov or Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048)

Questions? www.socialsecurity.gov : 

Questions? www.socialsecurity.gov