The program which is set to begin in January 2006, will cost beneficiaries $37 monthly along with a $250 annual deductible and co-payments.
For low-income beneficiaries, Social Security is offering a subsidy to help offset the cost of the new drug plan and the Middlesboro Social Security office has begun an outreach program to inform the 4,000 potential subsidy-eligible Medicare beneficiaries in Bell County of the programs details.
Low-income beneficiaries who need help with Medicare drug costs can file for subsidy eligibility determinations with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Beneficiaries will be able to complete a subsidy application themselves or with the help of state or other community based support organizations. Beneficiaries who are eligible for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or who are receiving state assistance in covering Medicare premiums will not have to complete a subsidy application.
These beneficiaries are considered eligible and will automatically qualify for the subsidy without applying.
Medicare beneficiaries not eligible for other assistance who may be eligible for extra help will be mailed an "Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs." Social Security began mailing notices and subsidy applications in late May and will continue weekly mailings to selected individuals through August.
Those needing help completing the subsidy application may attend a sign-up event hosted by the Middlesboro Social Security office throughout Bell County.
Those unable to attend one of the events may call the Middlesboro Social Security office at (606) 248-1527 for assistance. Additional subsidy information can also be obtained by calling (800) 772-1213 or visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.
To learn more about Medicare prescription drug plan, call (800) Medicare (800) 633-4227 or visit www.medicare.gov.
Medicare Prescription Drug Program Subsidy Sign-Up Events
6/09 Bell-Whitley
Community Action Agency 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
6/15 Bell County Health Center
Celebration of Women
Middlesboro Mall 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
6/21 Bell County Senior
Citizens - Middlesboro 10:30 a.m. until noon
6/23 Bell-Whitley
Community Action Agency 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
6/29 Henderson Settlement 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
7/12 Bell County Senior
Citizens - Middlesboro 10:30 a.m. until noon
7/14 Bell-Whitley
Community Action Agency 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
7/26 Red Bird Mission 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
7/28 Bell-Whitley
Community Action Agency 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
8/09 Bell County Senior
Citizens - Pineville 10:30 a.m. until noon
8/11 Bell-Whitley
Community Action Agency 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
8/23 Bell County Senior
Citizens - Middlesboro 10:30 a.m. until noon
8/25 Bell-Whitley
Community Action Agency 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
9/08 Bell-Whitley
Community Action Agency 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
9/22 Bell-Whitley
Community Action Agency 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
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