Social Security column Show someone you love how much you care By Karyl Richson, Social Security Public Affairs/Specialist in Milwaukee, WI
There are a number of ways you can show someone you love how much you care. This year, while you're spending some quality time, tell that special someone about something that can really make a difference. Tell them how to get extra help with their Medicare prescription drug costs. The high cost of medicine can be a burden on your loved ones who have limited income and resources. Extra help -- available through Social Security -- can pay part of their monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help could be worth more than $3,300 per year. To figure out whether they're eligible, Social Security needs to know your loved one's income and the value of their savings, investments and real estate (other than the home they live in). To qualify for the extra help, your loved one must be receiving Medicare and have: * Income limited to $15,315 for an individual or $20,535 for a married couple living together. Even if their annual income is higher, your loved ones still may be able to get some help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co- payments. Some examples where income may be higher include if they or their spouse: * Support other family members who live with them; * Have earnings from work; or * Live in Alaska or Hawaii; and * Resources limited to $11,710 for an individual or $23,410 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. We do not count their house and car as resources. Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that anyone — family members, friends and caregivers--— can complete. You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov. To apply by phone or get an application, call Social Security at 1-800-772- 1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Or go to the nearest Social Security office for assistance. To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plans and special enrollment periods, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800- MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048). So give someone you care about something special: the peace of mind that comes with knowing extra help is available with Medicare prescription drug costs. Then go one step further -- help them apply. There is no better way to show how much you care. #############/ Replace your Medicare card online The weather has taken a turn for the better and you might be getting ready for a summer vacation. Maybe you'll be at your home away from home for a month or two. Perhaps you plan to pack your clothes and a few books you've been meaning to read But don't forget another important item you may need: your Medicare card. If you depend on Medicare for your regular medical services, you might need that card this summer. But what if you can't find your card? What if it's been lost or damaged and you need a new one? The solution is simple: simply request a replacement Medicare card. And doing it is even simpler -- you can request it online. Our online Medicare card replacement page is a fast, easy and secure way to get your new Medicare card sent to your home. Just go to our website at www.socialsecurity.gov and select "Replace your lost, stolen or damaged Medicare card." The link is on the left side of the page, under "What you can do online." Simply fill out the requested information and you'll get your new Medicare card within 30 days; it will be mailed to your address on record. If you need immediate proof of your Medicare coverage, visit your local Social Security office. If you recently changed your mailing address and haven't notified Social Security of the change, you need to change your address before requesting your replacement Medicare card. You can report your change of address by using our online services as well. Simply go to www.socialsecurity. gov/coa to report a change. You'll need to provide your old address and new address, including ZIP codes. You also need to provide a phone number in case we need to contact you about the change. You'll receive a confirmation notice on your computer screen telling you the effective date of the address change. Be sure to wait until the effective date to request your replacement Medicare card.