Date: August 15, 2005
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbaraconant@aging.state.ks.us
Director of Communications
(785) 296-6154
Additional assistance to reduce or eliminate costs associated with the new federal prescription drug program is available beginning this summer for some low-income Kansans. Kansans enrolled in, or covered by, Medicare and Medicaid, SSI, or a Medicare Savings Program automatically qualify for extra help. People found eligible could save as much as $3,600 per year.
Pamela Johnson-Betts, Secretary of the Kansas Department on Aging, encouraged seniors and others to apply for the Limited Income Subsidy through the Social Security Administration.
“The additional assistance can be used to cover the new program's monthly premiums and deductibles,” she said. “Kansas seniors should apply this summer if they want to qualify for extra financial assistance that starts next year. The sooner those who believe they may be eligible apply, the sooner they will know if they qualify and get the extra help they need next year."
Those with incomes under $14,355 a year and resources under $10,000 are most likely to qualify for the extra help. Resources are defined as savings, investments, and real property other than a home.
Those who are married and living with spouses may qualify as well if they have incomes under $19,245 a year and resources under $20,000. Resource limits are higher if money is to be used for burial expenses; $1,500 per person is allowed.
The Social Security Administration is sending applications to nearly 200,000 Kansans who may qualify for this extra help. Letters and applications are being mailed through the middle of August.
Those who qualify may also be eligible for other forms of financial help, such as a Medicare Savings Program, said Johnson-Betts.
The new Medicare drug coverage, part of the Medicare Modernization Act signed by President Bush in 2003, begins on January 1, 2006. To learn more about the program, to receive an application for extra help, or to get assistance filling out the application, contact Social Security. The toll-free number is (1-800) 772-1213 or TTY (1-800) 325-0778 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.