Extra Help with Medicare and EPIC
Medicare and EPIC are working together so that seniors can save even more. By joining EPIC and using it with a Medicare Part D drug plan, enrollees will pay lower co-payments than with EPIC alone. Seniors with limited income and resources also may be eligible for Extra Help from Medicare and save even more.
What is Extra Help?
Extra Help is a federal subsidy from Medicare that provides additional savings to those enrolled in Medicare drug plans. With Extra Help, you will not pay any Medicare premiums and you will pay low co-payments. There are two levels of Extra Help, full or partial.
How do I qualify for Extra Help?
Individuals with limited income and resources who are receiving Medicare may qualify for Extra Help if your annual income level is not over $15,315 for a single person or $20,535 for a married couple. Your resources (such as savings, CDs, IRAs, stocks, bonds – not your home or car) can be no more than $11,710 if single and $23,410 if married. If your assets are higher, you still may qualify for partial Extra Help.
Can I keep my EPIC coverage with Extra Help?
Yes, you can keep your EPIC coverage. If you are approved for full Extra Help you will have no Medicare Part D drug plan premium and your EPIC fee will be waived. You will pay low co-payments - $2.15 for generics and $5.35 for brand drugs in 2007. For drugs not covered by your Medicare drug plan, EPIC will cover them and you will pay a co-payment of $3 to $20 based on the cost of the drug. If you are approved for partial Extra Help, you will continue to pay your EPIC fee. You will not have to pay Part D premiums and you will enjoy the benefit of low co-payments.
How do I apply for Extra Help?
It is so easy! When you join EPIC or when you renew your EPIC coverage, if your income is below the limits (shown above) for Extra Help, you will automatically receive a Request for Additional Information Form. You must complete, sign and return it to EPIC in order to maintain your EPIC coverage. EPIC will apply to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for Extra Help on your behalf.
If you are approved for Extra Help from Medicare, EPIC will help you enroll in a Medicare Part D drug plan that best fits your drug needs and allows you to continue to use your local pharmacy. You can use EPIC to pay for drugs not covered by your Medicare drug plan.
More information and assistance is available:
- EPIC 1-800-332-3742 (TTY 1-800-290-9138)
- Social Security 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048)
