It’s Easy to Get Extra Help with Your Prescription Costs
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
In times like these, every dollar counts. Some people qualify for big savings on their Medicare prescription drug costs and don’t even realize it! In fact, if you receive Medicare, you may be eligible for the Extra Help, which could save you about $4,000 per year on your monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments.
To qualify for Extra Help, you must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. To find out if you qualify, Social Security will need to know the value of your savings, investments, real estate (other than your home), and your income. We will also need information about you and your spouse, if you are married and living together.
To apply for Extra Help, you need to complete Social Security’s Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs. Our secure online application has self-help screens that guide you through a series of questions. You can apply from the comfort of your home, or from any other computer that is convenient to you. You can start and stop the application at any time, and go back later to finish it.
If you choose, you can apply for Extra Help over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office.
After you apply, Social Security will review your application and send you a letter letting you know if you qualify for Extra Help. Once you qualify, you can choose a Medicare prescription drug plan.
When you file your application for Extra Help, you can also start an application for a Medicare Savings Program — state programs that provide help to people with limited resources and income with Medicare expenses
Make sure you aren’t missing out on these easy savings. The sooner you apply , the sooner your savings begin.
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Tags: Medicare, online services
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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Terri L.
Hello,
I am writing to you because I am on a Medicare Advantage program and now because of my medication costs now show me as being in the “Donut Hole”
I am prescribed, Bydureon, Farxiga, Tresiba, those medications are out of control to purchase being on Social Security Disability. I asking for a call to find some needed help. 208-680-3163
Ray F.
Hi Terri, for assistance in your situation, please contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. Thanks.
Brenda O.
I hope this is easier than when I was trying to get help on my daily shots.
Tod I.
Very excellent article, thank you for this valuable information
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Marilyn W.
I enrolled in extra help over one year ago….to date my scripts have not been affordable…my health choice insurance says that I am enrolled in LIS and level 6. I want to disenroll because my Health Choice co pays are cheaper without the “extra help” program. I have not been able to afford the insulin(s) for over one year. I’ve called and stayed on the line for over 2 hours with no answers as to why “extra help” isn’t helping. Marilyn Wallar 405 8199706
Ray F.
Hello Marilyn. If you need information about Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare Prescription Drug plans or how to enroll/disenroll in a plan, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or visit http://www.medicare.gov.
ada r.
I LIKE TO GET EXTRA HELP ON MY MONTHLY PLAN ON MY PRESCRIPTION THANK
ada r.
I LIKE TO GET EXTRA HELP ON MY MONTHLY PLAN
Linda S.
Some of my medications are $300 a refill Medicare will not cover them . At least 5 of them because of this autoammune disease
Harriet A.
Need to change my last name on my Medicare card…have called the SS office many times for the instructions on how to do that many times and shortest wait time is 55 minutes….have already changed name on SS card. Called Medicare and they said SS must update info…..having problems going to doctor…DL and SS card have one name….Medicare and supplemental insurances have other…Really a pain..what do I do…please don’t tell me to call the office again!
Prenush B.
Can I refuse Medicare prescription drug plan, since I never use prescription drugs of any kind and I never did. $27.30 is taken out of my social security every month. My address: 119 Chenoa Dr. Unit B Murrells Inlet SC 29576
Thank You. With regards: Prenush Bucaj
Ray F.
For security reasons, we do not have access to personal records via this blog.
For information on how to disenroll from a Medicare drug plan visit http://www.medicare.gov.
Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on any social media channel. Thanks!
LAURA L.
MY DAD HAS HAD EXTRA HELP FOR YEARS…I ALWAYS FILL OUT THE YEARLY APPLICATION FROM THE SOCIAL SERVICES…THIS YEAR HE GOT A LETTER FROM THE GOVERNMENT SAYINGT THAT HE HAD TO APPLY THROUGH SOCIAL SECURTIY BECAUSE HE DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY GET EXTRA HELP…NOW IT IS THE FIRST OF THE YEAR…WITHOUT THE EXTRA HELP ON THIS MEDICINE…I CAN NOT PAY FOR HIS EXPENSIVE MEDICATIONS…LLR
Ray F.
Hi Laura. Please visit our “Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs” web page for information on this topic. Thanks!