In times like these, every dollar counts.
Save an average of $3,900.

Do you need help with prescription costs?

Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited income and resources also are eligible for 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 an average of $3,900 per year. Many people qualify for these big savings and don't even know it. To find out if you qualify, Social Security will need to know your income and the value of your savings, investments, and real estate (other than your home). If you are married and living with your spouse, we will need information about both of you.

To qualify for Extra Help:

• Your annual income must be limited to $16,245 for an individual or $21,855 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 your income may be higher are if you or your spouse:

  • Support other family members who live with you;
  • Have earnings from work; or
  • Live in Alaska or Hawaii; and
     
• Your resources must be limited to $12,510 for an individual or $25,010 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your house and car as resources. 

How do you apply?

If you are not getting the Extra Help automatically, it is easy to apply. Just complete Social Security's Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Here's how:

• Apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov;
• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone or to request that an application be mailed to you; or
• Apply at your local Social Security office.

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. Once you qualify, you can select the Medicare prescription plan of your choice. If you do not 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.

The worksheet below can help you decide if you are eligible and can assist you in completing the actual application for Extra Help. The worksheet is not an application.

You will need to:

• Identify the things you own alone, with your spouse, or with someone else. You should not include your home, vehicles, burial plots, or personal possessions.
• Review all your income.
• Gather your records in advance to save time.

How can you get more information?

For more information about getting Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug plan, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Social Security representatives are available to help you complete your application.

To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plans and special enrollment periods, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048). Medicare also can tell you about agencies in your area that can help you with Medicare prescription drug plans.