You May Qualify for Extra Help to Pay for Prescription Drug Costs
Medicare's new prescription drug program goes into effect in January 2006. Open enrollment for the new plan runs from November 15, 2005, to May 15, 2006. But Social Security is now taking applications from Medicare beneficiaries who may be eligible for extra help to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program. The extra help can save qualified beneficiaries an average of $2,100 per year.

Social Security recently mailed letters to nearly 19 million Medicare beneficiaries who are potentially eligible for this extra help. The letter includes an application and a return-addressed, postage paid envelope. If you received an application, please read it, complete it and return it to Social Security.

If you did not get a letter and application in the mail, but think you might qualify for the extra help, go to www.socialsecurity.gov. Or you can contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

October 2005