03/11/09 — Help for Medicare beneficiaries sought

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Help for Medicare beneficiaries sought

By Staff Reports
Published in News on March 11, 2009 1:46 PM

Wayne County Services on Aging is trying to reach people on Medicare and who need assistance paying for their prescription drugs.

There is a federal low income subsidy program, called Extra Help, that Medicare beneficiares may be eligible for based on their limited incomes and resources.

The Extra Help program can increase cost savings by paying for all or part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and provide lower prescription co-payments under a Medicare prescription drug plan.

To qualify for Extra Help, the annual income must be limited to $16,245 for an individual ($21,855 for a married couple living together). Additionally, the total resources must be limited to $12,510 for an individual ($25,010 for a married couple living together). The resources do not include a primary residence or a vehicle.

People may apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call Services on Aging at 731-1675 for a paper application or help completing the online application process.