Many seniors who have limited income and assets are not aware that there may be help for them in paying for prescription drug costs. This could be worth a significant amount per year. The Extra Help Program (also called Low Income Subsidy, LIS) helps those who are eligible to pay for a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan and also, in some cases, to help with deductibles and co-pays. Extra Help is funded through Medicare and Medicaid.

Following are the basic income and asset guidelines to qualify for this subsidy:

If you are married and living together,

•      your income limit must be at or below $1,967 per month
•      with assets at or below $26,860 per year.

For a single person,

•      the income limit is $1,459 per month
•      with assets at or below $13,440 per year.

You also may have $1,500 set aside for burial expenses.
The application form is brief and can be completed quickly. Staff at Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. can help you apply for this benefit by phone at no charge. Call 1- 877-664-2233 or you can apply yourself online.

It is to your benefit, if eligible, to choose the plan most beneficial to your particular needs. Objective, knowledgeable staff at the Medicare and Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) can help you choose the plan best suited to you at no charge. You may call them at 1-800-803-7174.