HOMEPAGE > PARTNERING WITH SOCIAL SECURITY

PARTNERING WITH SOCIAL SECURITY

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton is happy to partner with the Social Security Administration in educating his constituents about the extra financial help available with the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. 

The high cost of medicine can be a burden on our loved ones who have limited income and resources.  Extra help –  available through Social Security –  can pay part of their monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments.  The extra help could be worth more than $3,300 per year. 

To figure out whether they’re eligible, Social Security needs to know their income and the value of their savings, investments and real estate (other than the home they live in).  To qualify for the extra help, an individual must be receiving Medicare and have:

• Income limited to $15,315 for an individual or $20,535 for a married couple living together.  Even if their annual income is higher, they still may be able to get some help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments.  Some examples where income may be higher include if they or their spouse:

            – Support other family members who live with them;
            – Have earnings from work; or
            – Live in Alaska or Hawaii; and

• Resources limited to $11,710 for an individual or $23,410 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds.  Social Security does not count their house and car as resources.

Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that anyone –  family members, friends and caregivers –  can complete.  It can be found at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp .  To apply by phone or get an application, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020) or go to the nearest Social Security office for assistance.

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).