The Social Security Administration provides a little known program that assists certain people with costs associated with Medicare prescription coverage (Medicare Part D), called “Extra Help.”

To qualify for Extra Help, the applicant’s resources must be limited to $13,640 for an individual or $27,250 for a married couple living together (these amounts change annually). Resources include bank accounts, stocks and bonds, but do not include the applicant’s home, car or life insurance policies. In 2015, the applicant’s annual income is limited to $17,655 for an individual or $23,895 for a married couple living together, although some income, including support from other family members who live with you and certain earnings from work, are not included in this income requirement. The applicant must also get his or her prescription coverage through Medicare Part D. Those who currently receive Supplemental Security Income or Medi-Cal may already be enrolled in Extra Help.

To apply for Extra Help, a person need only apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit his or her local Social Security office.

[Disclaimer: The materials contained on this website have been authored or gathered by the Law Offices of Stuart D. Zimring, and are intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and is not considered to be legal advice. Transmission is not intended to create and receipt does not establish an attorney-client relationship.]