Senior News Cut Your Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
Great news: thanks to the new prescription drug law, the Inflation Reduction Act, in 2024 people with Medicare may qualify for even more savings through the Extra Help program. This program helps some people pay their Medicare drug coverage (Part D) costs, like premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and other costs. In 2024, the program will expand and you may qualify.
How does Extra Help lower my costs? In 2024, everyone who qualifies for Extra Help will pay:
• $0 for your Medicare drug plan premium.
• $0 for your plan deductible.
• A reduced amount for both generic and brand-name drugs.
If you get any level of Extra Help now and meet the qualifications for next year, you will get these cost savings automatically-you do not need to reapply. How do I find out if I qualify for Extra Help? In most cases, you must live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and have income and resources below a certain limit.
The income limit is based on your income from the previous year. Your annual income must be below $22,830 for an individual, or $30,900 for a married couple in 2024. Your resources must be below $17,220 for an individual, or $34,360 for a married couple in 2024. Resources include money in a checking, savings, or retirement account, stocks, and bonds. Resources do not include your home, one car, burial plots, up to $1,500 for burial expenses if you have put that money aside, furniture and other household and personal items. These limits can change each year. Even if you do not qualify for Extra Help now, you can reapply for Extra Help any time if your income and resources change.
How do I apply for Extra Help? Some people qualify automatically, but if you do not, it is easy to apply for Extra Help: Visit Social Security online at ssa.gov/extrahelp. Call Social Security at 1-800772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778. After you apply, Social Security will review your application and send you a letter to let you know if you qualify for Extra Help. Once you qualify, you can choose a Medicare Low-income Subsidy drug plan. If you qualify for Extra Help and do not select a plan, Medicare will select a plan for you. Where can I get more information? Visit Social Security at ssa.gov/extrahelp or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) if you have questions about the Extra Help program or need help filling out the application. Visit Medicare.gov/extrahelp or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1800-633-4227) to learn about Medicare drug plans, Extra Help, and other ways to lower your prescription drug costs. TTY users can call 1-877-4862048. Your local SHIP counselor can also assist. To connect with a SHIP counselor, call 1-800-551-3191.
