How do I Qualify for Extra Help in Joining a Medicare Drug Plan?

Some Medicare beneficiaries are hesitant about joining a Part D plan. After all, Part D can become expensive as the deductibles, premiums and co-payments begin to add up. However, you cannot guarantee that you won't need prescription drugs, and delaying enrollment into Part D can result in hefty penalties later on. Fortunately, those with financial need can join Extra Help, a federal program that helps with the cost burden of Part D.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact the Social Security Administration to get the most up-to-date information about eligibility. Find out the income and asset eligibility guidelines in order to determine your eligibility.

• 2

  Compare your income to the income limit. According to Medicare Interactive, that limit was at $1,354 per month for single people and $1,822 for couples in 2010. Extra Help is a benefit for those with low incomes, so if your income is much higher than this, then you will not qualify for Extra Help.

• 3

  Calculate what your assets amount to, and compare this to the asset limits set forth by the Social Security Administration. Assets are things such as money you have in saving accounts, property you own, bonds, stocks and more.

• 4

  Apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration. Medicare Interactive recommends that you apply even if your income or assets are slightly above the eligibility levels. There are many assets or forms of income that Social Security may consider exempt, so you may be qualified after all.

• 5

  Apply for another state program. There are a few state programs that offer additional help and work as a "backdoor" into Extra Help because qualifying for them will cause you to be automatically enrolled into Extra Help. This will save you time in applications and interviews.

• 6

  Apply for your state's Medicaid program. If your income levels are well below the eligibility threshold, then you may qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid will work as a secondary insurance to Medicare and will offer many additional benefits. Those with both Medicaid and Medicare are automatically enrolled into Extra Help.

• 7

  Apply for a Medicare Savings Program. Medicare Savings Programs are offered by your state. If your income is too high for Medicaid, but still below the Extra Help limits, you may qualify. The Medicare Savings Programs help pay for many of the costs associated with Part A and Part B. Those who are enrolled into a Medicare Savings Program are also automatically enrolled into Extra Help.