Extra Help with Medicare Drug Coverage Still Available

Contact: Grace Trimble
Phone: 404.463.3192
E-mail: gtrimble@atlantaregional.com

(ATLANTA - August 10, 2006) An estimated 26,500 residents of the Atlanta region may be eligible for extra help paying for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, also known as Medicare Part D. While for most people the deadline for enrolling in the program without penalty was May 15, low-income individuals who qualify for extra help and who have not yet signed up for the coverage are urged to apply now in order to begin reaping savings in paying for their medications. There will be no penalty for late enrollment for those who qualify for extra help.

Individuals with an annual income of less than $14,700 ($19,800 for a married couple living together) may not have to pay the monthly premiums or deductibles, and they may pay a co-payment of as little as $2 for their prescriptions. Individuals with higher income may still qualify for help with premiums, deductibles and co-payments if they support family members who live with them or have earnings from work.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates that 26,501 people in the region with limited incomes may not have enrolled in Medicare Part D during last year’s enrollment period. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is stepping up its outreach activities to help these persons find out if they are eligible for help.

"Persons with limited incomes often cannot afford their medications," said Lisa Federico, coordinator with the GeorgiaCares unit at ARC. "We want anyone who delayed enrolling in Medicare Part D because they were afraid they could not afford the premiums to call Social Security to find out if they can get help paying for this important coverage."

The first step in finding out if an individual qualifies for extra help is to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or a visit to a local Social Security office (those with Internet access can apply at www.socialsecurity.gov.) Social Security will determine whether the person is eligible for the extra help. Those who are eligible can then contact Medicare, the Atlanta Regional Commission or their county to determine which prescription drug plans offered in the region are most suitable for them. ARC staff can also help individuals apply for coverage.

"The sooner individuals sign up for the coverage, the sooner they can realize savings on their prescription drugs," Federico said. "We urge everyone who does not have this important coverage and who is struggling to pay for medications to call Social Security today."

Where to Get More Information about Medicare Part D: