Discounted Drug Subsidy Program for Seniors and Disabled!

Medicare can be very confusing for all of us. Co pays and deductibles, part A, B, D… yikes!

Even though Medicare has an extensive website with a lot of great information, for many, it can be difficult to navigate. As a result, many beneficiaries do not benefit from some great programs.

One of the little known subsidy programs for low-income seniors and the disabled is the Extra Help Program, which can save thousands of dollars on prescription drugs. This program began in 2006 and the ability to sign up goes to June 2011, and can save seniors and the disabled an average of $3,900 per year. It can reduce prescription drug premiums, co-pays and deductibles and plugs the “doughnut hole” or gap in coverage that starts when beneficiaries exceed $2,840 in total drug costs. It is administrated jointly by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Social Security Administration.

Eligibility is income dependent; for a senior living alone, income must be less than $16,245 per year or $21,855 for a married couple living together. For many who have both Medical and Medicare they may be automatically enrolled. However, there are many who have slipped through the cracks. For more information, go here.