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Low-Income AssistanceMedicare beneficiaries may be eligible for the extra help if they have limited income and resources. The extra help can increase their cost savings by paying for part of the monthly premiums, annual deductible,s and prescription copayments under the new prescription drug program. The extra help could be worth up to $3,900 per year.
Starting on January 1, 2010, changes in the law make it possible for more people to qualify for the extra help. Under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, when determining your eligibility for Extra Help, the government:
- Will no longer count as a resource any life insurance policy; and
- Will no longer count as income any help received regularly from someone else to pay an individual's household expenses—food, mortgage, rent, heating fuel or gas, electricity, water, and property taxes.
The Social Security Administration has developed a number of brochures and other helpful materials to explain how beneficiaries can apply for additional assistance.
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