Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Beginning January 1, 2006, Medicare prescription drug coverage (also known as "Medicare Part D") will be available to all people with Medicare (call 1-800 MEDICARE), the health insurance program primarily for Americans 65 years of age or older, but also for those under 65 who meet Social Security disability standards. This coverage is available whether the person has Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B. If that includes you, this coverage will help you pay for the prescriptions you need.
But all people with Medicare are not automatically enrolled. Most people will need to choose and join a Medicare prescription drug plan to get the right prescription drug coverage for them. Contact NC SHIIP for help picking a prescription drug plan (DSS is not allowed to help an individual pick a plan). SHIIP's phone number is 1 800 443-9354.
For those who need it most, Extra Help with prescription drug plan costs is available. The amount of help varies, depending on the person's income and resources. The extra help can pay for the Medicare prescription drug coverage deductible, premiums, and co-payments. Because of the Extra Help, people with the lowest income and assets may pay no premium or deductibles at all. You should apply for Extra Help now!
Click here to apply online for the Extra Help
Note that YOU DO NOT NEED TO APPLY for Extra Help if:
- You receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
- You receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- You use Medicaid to help pay your Medicare premiums (sometimes known as MQB).
If any of these are true, you are automatically eligible for Extra Help!
If you need information or assistance filling out the Extra Help application, please either:
- Drop by our office at 1966-H Morganton Boulevard in Lenoir, from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday; or
- Call us at (828) 426-8200.
Many people will receive information in the mail about the Extra Help. If you do receive it, it is very important that you fill out the application and send it back to the Social Security Administration, or ask DSS for help filling it out.
If you don't receive it, but you think there is even a slight chance you might be eligible, please come visit us. Even if you have never been to DSS before, we are here to help you!
Links to More Online Resources
Social Security's page on Prescription Drug Coverage and Extra Help
NC SHIIP: the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program