Changes to Medicare Part D Extra Help May Expand Eligibility

The Social Security Administration is asking partners to help spread the word about changes in the law beginning January 1, 2010, that could make more people eligible for “extra help” in paying for premiums and out-of-pocket expenses under Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. The two most significant changes are that life insurance policies will no longer count as a resource, and income assistance received from someone else for household expenses (food, mortgage, rent, heating fuel or gas, electricity, water, and property taxes) will no longer count. A webinar on the changes will be held September 15, 2009, at 2 pm Eastern. RSVP for the webinar at http://www.ssa.gov/survey/mipparsvpsurvey.htm

For more information about Social Security work incentives, refer to the 2009 Red Book found at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/. The Red Book is a general reference tool and self-help guide designed to provide a working knowledge of these provisions. If you have any questions, please call the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local SSA office. The Social Security Administration has a very comprehensive and user-friendly web site with extensive information, publications, and forms available. In addition to the main website, specific sections are dedicated to disability issues.

You may find earlier versions of work incentive emails on the www.nebraskatickettowork.org website.

Any questions may be directed to: rsi5@srt.com