On a Limited Income?

Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for the extra help if they have limited income and resources. The extra help can increase their cost savings by paying for part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program. The extra help could be worth more than $3,300 per year.

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-173), enacted December 8, 2003, requires the Social Security Administration (SSA) to undertake a number of additional Medicare-related responsibilities. SSA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are working together to provide persons with limited income and resources extra help paying for their prescription drugs. Social Security's role in this partnership is to help the public understand how they may qualify and apply.

• See if you qualify for help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
• Apply for help with Medicare prescription drug costs.

Apply Online:

Whether you're filing on your own behalf or helping someone file the application, submit the Internet application right away to avoid delaying the extra help.