WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Charles Rangel encouraged low-income Medicare beneficiaries in his congressional district to check if they are eligible for big savings on prescription drugs under the Medicare Low-Income Subsidy or "Extra Help" Program (LIS).

"This program is possibly of tremendous assistance for the over 88,000 Medicare patients in our district," Rangel said. "There are too many people who cannot afford to get the medication they need, yet many do know of support programs like LIS. It is a simple process to check if you're eligible and I encourage all low income Medicare beneficiaries residing in my district to do so."

To qualify, Medicare beneficiaries’ incomes must be less than $16,335 a year (or $22,065 for married couples) and have resources limited to $12,640 (or $25,260 for married couples). Resources include bank accounts, stocks, and bonds, but do not include a beneficiary’s house, car, or life insurance policy.

Under LIS, Medicare recipients are eligible this year to pay no more than $2.50 for generic drugs and $6.30 for each brand name drug. More than 2 million people are estimated to be eligible for the LIS subsidy but are not currently enrolled. The changes made to the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008, including not counting help received from family and friends to meet basic needs and expenses as income, has made it easier for beneficiaries to qualify for additional assistance.

"For 46 years, Medicare has been there, helping our seniors, sick and disabled be able to live longer, independently and with dignity," Congressman Rangel stated. "I intend to make sure that Medicare and programs like 'Extra Help' will continue to help our elderly and less fortunate in New York and across America for future generations to come."

New York City residents can receive assistance from the New York City Department of Aging located on 2 Lafayette Street and can be reached Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5PM at 212-639-9675. More information can be found at www.eldercare.gov. Medicare beneficiaries can also receive assistance in their local communities from their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), contact information can be found online at www.medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria.aspx.  All information provided is confidential.

Medicare beneficiaries, family members, trusted counselors or caregivers can apply online in English and Spanish at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Medicare’s Part D Extra Help. People are also encouraged to visit www.medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to learn more about the Extra Help program. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.