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The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) extra help program currently provides assistance to more than nine million seniors and disabled Americans, saving them an average of almost $4,000 a year on their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. To qualify for extra help, people must meet certain resource and income limits. The new Medicare law eases those requirements as of January 2010 in two ways. First, it eliminates the cash value of life insurance from counting as a resource. Second, it eliminates the assistance people receive from others to pay for household expenses, such as food, rent, mortgage or utilities, from counting as income.
In addition, applicants for the extra help program can now start the application process for Medicare Savings Programs -- state programs that provide help with other Medicare costs.
The changes in the Medicare law that take effect this month will allow hundreds of thousands of Americans who are struggling to pay their prescription drug costs to get extra help during these tough economic times,” said Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue. “I am thrilled that Chubby Checker has volunteered to help us spread this important message through a new television, radio, and Internet spot as well as pamphlets and posters.”
In Philadelphia, Medicare beneficiaries can consult with an APPRISE counselor to find out if they are eligible for the extra help program. APPRISE is a federally funded health insurance counseling program for adults over 60; PCA coordinates the APPRISE program in Philadelphia. APPRISE consultations are free, and counselors can assist with applications, including helping consumers file applications immediately online. For information about APPRISE, click here or call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.
To apply for the extra help program, visit
www.socialsecurity.gov
. View the Chubby Checker TV spot at
www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp
.
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