People With Medicare

What if I get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or I am in a Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

What do I have to do to get Extra Help paying my costs for the drug plans?

You automatically qualify for Part D Extra Help for your costs. You do not need to fill out any applications.

How will I know what kind of Extra Help I will get?

You should receive a letter from Medicare. It should tell you more about the Extra Help program including your premium, deductible, and copayment levels. In 2012, your copayment for drugs on your plan’s formulary with Extra Help should be no higher than $2.60 for generic or $6.50 for brand name. If you did not get a letter, you should call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) or contact your state SHIP for more information.

You can find information about the various Medicare drug plans through the Medicare.gov Plan Finder. You can also get information about the plans in your area in the "Medicare and You 2012" handbook. It is also available online at Medicare Publications.

When can I join?

If you are eligible for Extra Help, you can join a Medicare drug plan anytime. For more information about joining a Medicare drug plan, go to 7 Simple Steps.

What happens if I don't join a plan on my own?

If you do not join a Medicare drug plan on your own, Medicare will enroll you in one.

If I am going to automatically join, why should I pick a plan?

You can pick the plan that works best for you. Medicare randomly assigned you to a plan. They did not know your drugs or the pharmacy you prefer. However, you can switch plans up to once a month. You can find the plan that covers more of your prescriptions for the lowest cost and that includes the pharmacy you prefer to use.

Can I switch plans?

Whether you picked your own plan or Medicare picked one for you, you can switch plans anytime – as often as once a month.

NEXT: Are my drugs covered?

Information on this web site was compiled from approved materials of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.