If you are disabled and have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, you are eligible for Medicare. Disability beneficiaries who have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) are eligible for Medicare without waiting 24 months. Similarly, disabled beneficiaries and specially insured individuals who have permanent kidney failure that requires maintenance dialysis or a kidney replacement are eligible for Medicare. Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you have limited resources and income, you also may be able to get Extra Help paying for the monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. The Extra Help will not affect the receipt of your monthly disability payments.
- You must reside in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia:
- Your resources must be limited to $13,070 for an individual ($26,120 for a married couple living together). Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your home, car, and any life insurance policy as resources; and
- • Your annual income must be limited to $16,755 for an individual or $22,695 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 include if you or your spouse:
- Support other family members who live with you;
- Have earnings from work; or
- Live in Alaska or Hawaii.
- Support other family members who live with you;
If you are not getting the Extra Help automatically, it is easy to apply. Just complete Social Security's Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (Form SSA-1020). Here’s how:
- Apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp;
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone or request that an application be mailed to you; or
- Apply at your local Social Security office.
How can State agencies help you with Medicare costs?
When you file your application for Extra Help, you also can start your application process for the Medicare Savings Programs—State programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. Social Security will send information to your State unless you tell us not to on the Extra Help application. Your State will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program. These Medicare Savings Programs help people with limited resources and income pay for their Medicare expenses. The Medicare Savings Programs help pay for your Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums. For some people, the Medicare Savings Programs also may pay for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premiums, if any, and Part A and B deductibles and co-payments.
If you think you might be able to get help from your State with Medicare costs, or if you are not sure, call your State medical assistance (Medicaid) office or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).
How can you get more information?
For more information about getting Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug plan costs, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp 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.
If you need information about Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare prescription drug plans, how to enroll in a plan, or to request a copy of the Medicare & You handbook, please visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048). When you call, you can request information about how to contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Your SHIP can help you with your Medicare prescription drug plans. You also can find your local SHIP contact information in your Medicare handbook or obtain the information online at www.medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria.aspx.
Our website is a valuable resource for information about all of Social Security’s programs. There are a number of things you can do online.
In addition to using our website, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. We treat all calls confidentially. We can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday. We can provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day. (You can use our automated response system to tell us a new address or request a replacement Medicare card.) If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
We also want to make sure you receive accurate and courteous service. That is why we have a second Social Security representative monitor some telephone calls.
