Changes in the Law Could Make More People Eligible
for Extra Help in 2010

Millions of people with limited income and resources have qualified for Extra Help and saved thousands of dollars each year on premiums, co-payments and deductibles associated with their prescription drug plans.

And beginning January first, 2010, even more people will qualify for Extra Help because of significant changes in the eligibility requirements. People who applied before and did not qualify, may be eligible based on these changes.

Here’s what you need to know about the changes in the law:

• First, when someone applies for Extra Help, we no longer will count the value of life insurance as a resource. This change will make it easier for people to meet the resource requirement in qualifying for the Extra Help.

• Second, we won’t count as income the financial assistance people receive from others to pay for household expenses, like food, mortgage, rent, utilities and property taxes. This change means it will be easier for people to meet the income requirement in qualifying for Extra Help.

• Third, when someone applies for Extra Help, it can start the application process for the Medicare Savings Programs, which helps with other Medicare costs, like Part B premiums. This change means Social Security will send the information on the Extra Help application to the state, unless the applicant checks the box telling us not to send it.

Applying online has several advantages:

• Our online application offers step-by-step guidance through all of the questions, ensuring full and complete answers.

• People can apply conveniently from their home or office, at their own pace, and can take a break at any time and return to the application later.

• It’s also easy for a family member, friend or caregiver to assist with the application.

• Our online application is safe and secure.

People also can apply over the telephone using Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. Or they can apply at their local Social Security office.

Again, to qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be on Medicare, have limited income and resources, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.

And remember—the changes that make it easier to qualify for the Extra Help do not take effect until January first, 2010.

For more information about qualifying and applying for the Extra Help program, visit our website socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.

For information about Medicare, choosing specific prescription drug plans and Medicare Savings Programs, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227.

We hope this video has answered some of your questions.

Thank you for watching.