Social security Q&A: Qualifying for help with medical costs
Social security Q&A

Published: May 20, 2007

Q: What are the income and resource requirements for the extra help with prescription drug costs?

A: If your annual income is below $15,315 for an individual (or $20,535 if you are married and living with your spouse), you may qualify for the extra help.

Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help.

Some examples when your income may be higher include if you or your spouse support other family members who live with you, have earnings from work, or live in Alaska or Hawaii.

To get the extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs, your total resources generally must be limited to $11,710 for an individual (or $23,410 if you are married and living with your spouse).

To learn more about the extra help, go to www.social security.gov/prescription help/.

You also may call toll-free at (800) 772-1213 [TTY (800) 325-0778].

Q: Where can I go to find general information about Medicare benefits?

A: Social Security determines whether people are entitled to Medicare benefits, but the program is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

You can go to the Medicare Web site at www.medicare. gov, or call them at (800) MEDICARE [(800) 633-4227]. Online or on the phone, you can find answers to all your Medicare questions at CMS.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213.