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Social Security-
Questions and Answers
By Erin Thompson, Public Affairs Specialist in Toledo, OH
Guest Column
Question:
Is it true that if you have low income you can get help
paying your Medicare premiums?
Answer:
Yes. If your income and resources are limited, your state
may be able to help with your Medicare Part B premium,
deductibles, and coinsurance amounts. State rules vary on
the income and resources that apply. Contact your state or
local medical assistance, social services, or welfare
office, or call the Medicare hotline, 1-800-MEDICARE
(1-800-633-4227), and ask about the Medicare Savings
Programs. If you have limited income and resources, you also
may be able to get help paying for prescription drug
coverage under Medicare Part D. Call Social Security at
1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778) or
visit any Social Security office.
Also, see our publication, Medicare (Publication
10043), at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html. For even
more information, visit our website at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
Question:
How
do I get a copy of the form, Application for Help with
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs?
Answer:
If you wish to apply for Extra Help with Medicare
prescription drug plan costs, we recommend you use our
online application at
www.socialsecurity.gov/i1020/.
You can find instruction sheets in 15 different languages to
help you understand the English application at
www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.
If you prefer not to fill out this application on the
Internet, you can call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213,
to ask for a paper application. Also, you can make an
appointment at your local Social Security office to apply
for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan
costs. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our
toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. Representatives are
available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Question:
If I call 1-800-772-1213, can a Social Security
representative take my application for Medicare prescription
drug help over the phone?
Answer:
If an interviewer is available when you call the 800 number,
he or she can take your application over the phone. If an
interviewer is not immediately available, we can schedule a
telephone appointment for you. For the fastest and most
convenient way to apply for Medicare prescription drug help,
go online to
www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.
Question:
Where can I find general information about Medicare
benefits?
Answer:
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
visit CMS’s Medicare website at
www.medicare.gov, or
call them at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Online or by
phone, you can find answers to all your Medicare questions
at CMS.
Question:
Will my eligibility for the Extra Help with Medicare
prescription drug plan costs be reviewed and, if so, how
often?
Answer:
If you get the Extra Help, Social Security may
contact you to review your status. This reassessment will
ensure you remain eligible for Extra Help and receive
all the benefits you deserve. Annually, usually at the end
of August, we may send you a form to complete: Social
Security Administration Review of Your Eligibility for Extra
Help. You will have 30 days to complete and return this
form. Any necessary adjustments to the Extra Help
will be effective in January of the following year. Go to
www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp
for more information.
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