Anyone who is on Medicare has the option of signing up for prescription drug coverage. This is also known as Medicare Part D. Some people with limited income and resources may be able to get “Extra Help” with the costs related to their Medicare prescription drug plan. This includes help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments.
To qualify for “Extra Help” your annual income must not exceed $21,870 for an individual or $29,580 for a married couple living together. Some of the things that count as income are: Social Security benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits, Veterans benefits, pensions or annuities and any wages you are earning from a job or self-employment. You also must not exceed the resource limit to qualify for “Extra Help”. Resources would include: bank accounts (including checking, savings and CDs), stocks, bonds, mutual funds, IRAs or any other investments. Cash and any real estate other than your home also counts. The amount of your resources must not exceed $16,660 for an individual or $33,240 for a married couple. The amounts listed for both the income and resource limits are for 2023. Social Security has estimated that “Extra Help” is worth about $5,000 per year for those who qualify. We meet with many people each year who qualify for this benefit and don’t even know it. To find out if you qualify for “Extra Help” you can call or visit your local Social Security office, apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov or you can call or visit our office and we’ll be glad to help. Regardless of the way you choose to apply, you will need your income and resource information available.
If you have questions regarding any aspect of Medicare or Medicare health plans feel free call us at Alabama Health Guidance (256-648-5710), stop by our office at 885 Florence Blvd (Four Lane Shopping Center) or email me at ikey@alabamahealthguidance.com.
Alabama Health Guidance is an independent insurance agency and is not affiliated with Medicare or any other government agency.