You may be able to get extra help to pay monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and copayments related to the Medicare Prescription Drug program. However, you must be enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to get this extra help.

Union County Senior Services can assist you in completing the application. Requirements include:

• You have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
• You live in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia; and
• Your combined savings, investments, and real estate are not worth more than $27,950 if you are married and living with your spouse, or $14,010 if you are not currently married or not living with your spouse. (Do NOT count your home, vehicles, personal possessions, life insurance, burial plots, irrevocable burial contracts or back payments from Social Security or SSI.) If you have more than those amounts, you may not qualify for the extra help. However, you can still enroll in an approved Medicare prescription drug plan for coverage.

You also may be able to get help from your State with other Medicare costs under the Medicare Savings Programs. By completing the form, you will start your application process for a Medicare Savings Program. Unless you state otherwise, information will be sent to your State who will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program.

If you need information about Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans or how to enroll in a plan, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or visit www.medicare.gov. You can also request information about how to contact your State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (SHIP), which offers help with your Medicare questions. Melissa Polites is the local SHIP counselor and can be reached at (270) 389-4550.

For more information, visit SSA.gov - Extra Help With Medicare.