Is The Part D Extra Help Program Available In Hawaii?
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The Medicare Extra Help program helps cover the costs of prescription drugs for those who cannot afford them on their own. In 2018, 26% of Medicare beneficiaries with Part D in Hawaii got Extra Help. Extra Help, then, is available in Hawaii. But how does it work? How can you get it?
What is the Extra Help Program?
Also referred to as Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) in Hawaii, Extra Help is a federal program that can help you pay for your monthly premium and prescription medications. Anyone with Medicare can get Part D, anyone who has trouble paying for their plan and prescriptions may be able to get Extra Help to cover costs like your deductibles, premiums, and out-of-pocket cost-sharing fees. According to Social Security, the Extra Help program amounts to roughly $5,000 a year in savings.
Before you can apply for Extra Help, you must be enrolled in Part D. Once enrolled in Extra Help, you will receive the “Social Security Administration Review of Your Eligibility for Extra Help” in the mail. Fill out and return the form in 30 days.
Enrollment and Eligibility
To determine your eligibility for this program, you will need to file an “Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs” (Form SSA-1020) through Social Security. To be eligible, you must fall under a specific limit for you and your spouse’s income and resources.
In Hawaii, you may even have a higher income but still qualify for this program. You must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) in your state to qualify. In Hawaii, this is roughly $22,230 for a single individual, $30,060 for two people, and so on. Income that is not counted towards your eligibility can include:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps)
- Medical treatment
- Disaster assistance
- Earned income tax credit payments
- Scholarships and education grants
- Housing assistance, or assistance from others to pay your household expenses
Resources that are counted towards your eligibility include:
- Real estate, besides your primary residence
- Bank accounts
- Stocks and bonds
- Mutual funds
- IRAs
- Cash at home or anywhere else
Find Help with Your Medicare Coverage–Call Proinsurance Hawaii
Whether you think you may qualify for Extra Help, need help with the application, or just want to learn more about your Medicare Part D coverage, we can help. Call Proinsurance Hawaii today at 808-735-0106.
