YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
By DAVID BROWN

Did you plan to enroll in the Medicare prescription drug plan and apply for the extra help, but found out you missed the deadline? Would you still like to take advantage of the savings, but don't want to pay the penalty for filing late?

Mr. Brown is District Manager of the Social Security Administration's Downtown New York Office.

This year, you're in luck! There will be no late-enrollment penalties in 2007 for people who qualify for extra help and enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan. If you think you may be eligible for the extra help, you should apply as soon as possible. The extra help could be worth an average of $3,700 per year.

Generally, if your annual income is below $15,315 for an individual ($20,535 for a married couple living together), and your resources are limited to $11,710 for an individual ($23,410 for a married couple living together), you may qualify for extra help with your monthly premiums, deductibles and co-payments.

Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help with your monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. For example, your income may be higher and you could still qualify for extra help if you or your spouse support other family members who live with you, if either of you have earnings from work, or if you live in Alaska or Hawaii.

So if you are not sure whether you qualify for the extra help, it is best to complete an application. It's fast and easy.

If you plan to apply for the extra help, the easiest and most convenient way is to do it online. Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp/ and select the "Apply for help" link. You also can apply over the phone by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). If you prefer to complete the paper application, you can call the same number to request that we mail one to you, or stop by your local Social Security office to pick one up.

To learn more about the various Medicare prescription drug plans and special enrollment periods, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048), or visit www.medicare.gov. Medicare also can tell you about agencies in your area that can help you navigate the application process.