We will no longer count as a resource any life insurance policy; and
No, but it changes what is counted in these limits. To qualify for Extra Help in 2009, your resources still must be limited to $12,510 for an individual or $25,010 for a married couple living together. Your annual income still must be limited to $16,245 for an individual or $21,855 for a married couple living together. Your income can be a little higher if you support other family members who live with you, have earnings from work, or live in Alaska or Hawaii. These amounts may change in 2010.
First, you must see how the life insurance affects your resources or how the household help affects your income. If your resources would be below the eligibility limit even with life insurance and your income would be below the eligibility limits even with help with household expenses, you should apply for Extra Help now. If your life insurance or help with household expenses would raise your resources or income above the eligibility limits, you should apply for Extra Help, but you should wait until January 1, 2010, to apply.
Example 1: Jane lives alone and has life insurance worth $1,000. She has additional resources of $10,900, for a total of $11,900. Her total yearly income comes to $16,240. She should apply for Extra Help now because her total resources, even including the life insurance, are below the maximum limit of $12,510. Her income is also below the eligibility limit.
Example 2: George and Diana are married and live together. They have life insurance worth $2,500. Their remaining resources are $24,000, for a total resource level of $26,500. Their annual income is $21,000—below the eligibility limit for a married couple living together. George and Diana should not apply for Extra Help now, but should apply after January 1, 2010. This is because their resources are above the $25,010 eligibility limit for a married couple living together. However, on January 1, 2010, when the law changes, the life insurance will no longer count against their resources. Their total resources will then be $24,000, making them eligible for Extra Help at that time.
Example 3: Mary and Joe are married and live together. They have resources of $23,000. Their total yearly income is $20,900, which includes $2,400 they get from their son David to pay their rent. Mary and Joe should apply for Extra Help now because, even with the help they get from David, their combined income is below the maximum limit of $21,855 for a married couple living together.
Social Security will not be able to find you eligible until the new law goes into effect if your resources, income, or both would be above the eligibility limits due to life insurance or help with household expenses. If you apply before January 1, your claim will be denied and you will have to reapply for Extra Help.
Beginning January 1, 2010, when you apply for Extra Help, you also can start your application process for the Medicare Savings Programs—state programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. Social Security will send information to your state unless you tell us not to on the Extra Help application. Your state will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program. These Medicare Savings Programs help people with limited income and resources pay for their Medicare expenses. The Medicare Savings Programs help pay for your Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums. For some people, the Medicare Savings Programs also may pay for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premiums, if any, and Part A and B deductibles and co-payments.
It is easy to apply for Extra Help. Just complete Social Security’s Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Here’s how:
You can apply online;
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY
After you apply, Social Security will review your application and send you a letter to let you know if you qualify for the Extra Help. Once you qualify, you can choose a Medicare prescription drug plan. If you do not select a plan, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will do it for you. The sooner you join a plan the sooner you begin receiving benefits.
Our online application is secure and offers several advantages. It takes you through the process, step by step, with a series of self-help screens. The screens will tell you what information you need to complete the application and will guide you in answering the questions fully. You can apply conveniently from your own home or office, at your own pace. You can start and stop at any time during the process, so you can leave the application and go back later to update or complete any of the required information. We are careful to protect your personal information.
For more information about getting Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug plan costs, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Social Security representatives are available to help you complete your application.
If you need information about Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare prescription drug plans, how to enroll in a plan, or to request a copy of the Medicare and You, 2009 handbook, please visit www.medicare.gov or call
(Source: Social Security Administration - http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10040.html )