You May Qualify for a Medicare Program That Lets You Pay as Little as $2.40 for Prescription Drugs

For years you did your part by paying into Medicare. Now it’s your turn to get the most out of the benefits you’ve earned. If you have limited income and resources, there’s a Medicare program where you pay no more than $2.40 for each generic drug and $6 for each brand name drug. If you qualify, this program helps pay your prescription copayments plus your other drug costs like monthly premiums and annual deductibles. Many people qualify and don’t even know it. Individuals who make less than $16,245 and married couples who make less than $21,855 may qualify to have lower Medicare prescription drug premiums, copayments, and deductibles. To qualify, these individuals’ resources must also be limited to $12,510 or $25,010 for married couples. Resources include things like bank accounts, stocks and bonds, but not your house or car.

Applying for this program is free. Apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs. All information provided in the application is confidential. If you have a limited income, you know that sometimes making ends meet means making tough decisions. That shouldn’t mean going without your medications. Apply now to make sure you have the prescription drugs you need to stay healthy and keep doing what you love.

To learn more about Medicare prescription drug plans and when you can join, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048) or visit www.medicare.gov on the web.

This information prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.