Are drug costs a worry for your elder family member? This year, new assistance is available for many Medicare Part D participants.

Your family member may qualify for “Extra Help.” This program helps pay for a Medicare prescription plan. It trims monthly premiums and the annual deductible. And it shrinks the co-pay costs for prescriptions. The average annual savings is $3,900.

If your family member didn’t qualify for the program last year, apply again. There are new criteria this year. They make the “extra help” available to more people. Eligibility is based on income and financial resources. Specifically,

• Income must be less than $16,245 per year for an individual or $21,855 for a couple.
• This year, income does NOT include any help received from others for expenses such as rent, utilities, and food.
• Financial resources include bank savings, stocks, and bonds. An individual can have no more than $12,510 in such savings. A couple can have no more than $25,010.
• This year, life insurance policies are not counted.

You can apply online or call Social Security at 800-772-1213. Ask for help with prescription drug plan costs. They will send you the application.

Even without Extra Help, your loved one may get a rebate. The rebate is for individuals who fall into the Medicare Part D coverage gap. This is also called the “donut hole.” This year, everyone reaching the coverage gap will receive a tax-free rebate of $250. No application is necessary. A rebate check will be sent automatically to those who qualify. Next year, a 50% drug discount is planned for people who fall in the donut hole. The discount will apply to brand name drugs covered by the individual’s Part D plan.

Some drug companies offer special assistance programs. Check our prescription assistance page for information.

For more, visit http://www.hospicecarecenter.org!

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