Help Paying For Drugs -- The Extra Help Program

If you have a Medicare Savings Plan or Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income, you will get a letter from Medicare stating that you are automatically eligible for Extra Help. If you automatically qualify for Extra Help, Medicare will automatically enroll you in a drug plan unless you choose one yourself. (To learn how to choose a Drug Plan yourself, see :Part D -- How To Choose.) If you don't get a letter saying you are automatically enrolled,  you have to apply.

If you don't automatically get Extra Help, you must contact Social Security Administration and fill out an application. You can complete an application on line or over the telephone by calling 800.772.1213 or at your local Social Security office. You don't have to provide proof of income or assets -- but expect that Medicare will check.

If your application is denied, you can appeal. Instructions about how to appeal are included in the denial letter.

Once enrolled for Extra help, it renews automatically, subject to a check by Social Security ("Redetermination"). It is advisable to respond to any requests for information from Social Security within the time limit stated. It doesn't matter that the facts of your situation may not have changed.(If you need more time than requested by Social Security, go to your local Social Security office and ask for another 30 days.)

If you enrolled yourself in Medicare Part D, and then receive Extra Help, the plan must reimburse you for the costs.

For questions about Extra Help, see:  https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html or call 800.772.1213

For questions about Medicare, go to the Medicare Rights Center:  www.medicarerights.org

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