Help paying for prescription drugs may be available

Some 74,184 Hoosiers could be eligible for help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage but have yet to apply for the program that provides it. Of that number, an estimated 313 are from Carroll County.

The Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), worth an average of $3,700 a year for participants, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, pays for all or part of the monthly premiums and annual deductibles, fills in the coverage gap, and lowers prescription copayments. Eligible individuals can join aMedicare drug plan immediately and pay very little out of pocket for their medications.

These Hoosiers are part of an estimated 3.3 billion beneficiaries nationwide who also potentially qualify for the subsidy but have yet to apply, according to rough estimates by the Department of Health and Human Services.

To qualify, a person must be on Medicare and have an annual income below $14,700 and assets limited to $11,500 (not including house or car) or $19,800 in income and $23,000 in assets for a couple. Those who qualify can immediately join a Medicare drug plan for coverage in 2006, with no penalty or waiting period. There is no cost or obligation to apply, so anyone who thinks they may be eligible should fill out an application as soon as possible.

Indiana residents can apply by visiting their local Social Security office, calling Social Security at 1800-772-1213 or by signing up online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Assistance is also available by calling SHIP at 1-800-452-4800 or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048).