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Father’s Day Medicare Prescription Drug Program–“Extra Help”
By Dan Moraski
For the past two years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been involved in a major campaign to identify and enroll low-income Medicare beneficiaries in a program that provides substantial financial assistance with their prescription drug (Part D) premiums, deductibles, and co-payments.
To date, SSA employees in New England have participated in over 2,100 Medicare outreach events, and more than 93,000 residents have become eligible for this program, called “Extra Help.” But, despite these efforts, there may still be people who are eligible, but who have not yet signed up for the benefit.
Therefore, the Social Security Administration is undertaking a new, enhanced, outreach initiative around the theme: “This Father’s Day, show someone you love how much you care.” This campaign will target the children, grandchildren, and caregivers of Medicare beneficiaries, rather than the beneficiaries themselves.
It’s important to note that “Extra Help” is not a monthly cash payment like a Social Security benefit. Instead, when someone is found eligible, it means that he/she won’t have to pay the full premium, deductible, and co-payments for his/her particular Medicare Part D plan. It is also important to note that if they qualify for “Extra Help,” Medicare beneficiaries can sign up for a prescription drug plan right away and pay no premium penalty for 2007.
To qualify, a person must have income below 150% of the federal poverty level (in 2007 this means $15,315 for an individual, and $20,535 for a couple living together) AND resources valued under $11,710 for an individual or $23,410 for a couple. Resources include assets such as bank accounts, and stocks and bonds, but we don’t count the value of a home or a car.
For those who want to apply, we offer several options. An individual can sign up by telephone through our national 800 number, which is 1-800-772-1213; online at www.socialsecurity.gov or in person at one of our 1,300 local field offices across the country, 72 of which are here in New England, and two in Berkshire County. We offer these options because we want to provide service in the way that makes the most sense to the applicant.
It’s important to note that Elder Services of Berkshire County’s SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) Program has trained staff and volunteers who are available to provide information about this “Extra Help,” in addition to unbiased and informed advice on health insurance choices for seniors and those who are disabled. SHINE services are free. Call Elder Services 499-0524 or toll free at 1-800-544-5242, or contact your local Council on Aging to arrange to have your health insurance questions answered by a SHINE counselor.
In closing, our message is simple. We want people to remember that “Extra Help” is still available for Medicare beneficiaries who qualify. We want these same people to discuss “Extra Help” with their parents, grandparents, and friends, and then contact SSA online, by phone, or in person to apply. Again, “This Father’s day show someone you love how much you care.”
Daniel Moraski is the Social Security Administration Public Affairs Specialist in Springfield, Massachusetts.