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| Valencia County Seniors Should Complete, Return Drug Help Form |
October 13, 2005 |
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| Albuquerque, NM — Congresswoman Heather Wilson served up lunch today at the Belen Senior Center to talk about drugs—the kind that keep you healthy. Dishing out milk and rolls, Wilson stressed that seniors should fill out and return a form they may have received from Social Security.
The form, sent in recent weeks to some seniors, will help determine if they qualify for additional drug assistance because of their income and resource level. The new assistance comes as part of the new Prescription Drug Plan that Congress recently added to Medicare.
Wilson also encourages family members and community leaders to help seniors learn more about Medicare Part D, as the new benefit in Medicare is officially known. Wilson says her website, http://wilson.house.gov, has useful information for seniors and family members, including a link to the Social Security extra-help application.
“We made a promise to seniors to give them help with the cost of prescription drugs,” says Congresswoman Heather Wilson. “We all need to learn more about how this benefit works so that we can help our parents, our grandparents, our neighbors. As leaders in our community, we can help seniors make the choices that will soon be available to them.”
The Social Security Administration mailed forms to people they identified as likely to qualify for extra help, but report that the return rate in New Mexico is currently less than 25%. That figure concerns Wilson, who encourages seniors to return the form as soon as possible. Seniors who think they may qualify, but don’t have the form or never received it, can call 1-800-772-1213 to request another copy. They can also check Wilson’s website, http://wilson.house.gov for useful links, including an on-line, interactive version of the application.
“The Social Security Administration identified people who probably qualify for the extra help,” says Rep. Wilson. “So it’s critical that seniors fill the application out and return it. There’s no reason not to. The application is a starting point only. It’s non-binding, and serves only to identify who might qualify for extra help with the cost of their medicines. I would encourage any senior who has received this form in the mail to fill it out quickly and get it back. It can only help you.”
Seniors who think they may qualify for extra help but do not have an application can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Seniors and community members can also call Rep. Wilson’s office at 505-346-6781 for more information or assistance.
Extra Medicine Help For Those With Limited Income and Resources
If you are single and your annual income is below $14,355 ($19,245 if married), you may qualify for extra help. Slightly higher income levels may qualify if you provide support to other family members living with you.
You can apply for this extra help through the Social Security Administration. Social Security is also mailing applications to those who may qualify. If you receive an application in the mail, fill it out and return it. The application is non-binding and serves only to determine your eligibility for extra help.
The amount of help depends on your income and resources.
You still need to join a Medicare prescription drug plan for Medicare to pay for your drug costs.
You can join a Medicare prescription drug plan beginning November 15, 2005 through May 15, 2006. If you join by December 31, 2005, your coverage begins January 1, 2006. If you join later, your coverage begins on the first day of the following month.
If you qualify for extra help, you will have continuous drug coverage and will pay only a small amount for your prescription drugs.
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