2601. Eligibility for Extra Help with Prescription Drug Costs

2601.1 When are you entitled to extra help with Prescription Drug Costs?

You are entitled to extra help with prescription drug costs if you:

1. Are entitled to benefits under Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) or enrolled in Medicare Part B (medical insurance) or both, and

2. Reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia, and

3. Have countable assets of less than $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for a couple (in 2006) and

4. Have an annual income of less than $14,700 for individuals who live alone or $19,800 for married couples (in 2006) without other dependents (or higher, if living in Alaska or Hawaii and/or some of the income is from work) and

5. File an application with SSA or with a Medicaid State Agency.

2601.2 How do I apply for this extra help?

You may apply online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov. You may also obtain an application from a local office. It should be mailed to the Social Security Administration, Wilkes-Barre Data Operations Center, P.O. Box 1020, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18767-9910.

2601.3 When Is It NOT Necessary to File an Application?

You do not need to file an application if you:

• receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments and have Medicare, or

• you have Medicaid and Medicare coverage, or

• your State pays for your Medicare premiums because you will automatically get the extra help.

If one or more of these conditions apply, you are automatically eligible for this extra help and you will be contacted about receiving it.

Last Revised: May 22, 2007