MOM’S DAY: We all have plans to show mom a great day with
flowers, dinner at a fancy restaurant, or some special gift. But
have you ever thought about helping with the cost of their
medicine?[neWLine]

Kenneth Park, Social Security district manager in Olean, N.Y.,
suggests you show them how to get extra help with their Medicare
prescription drug costs.[neWLine]

“”The high cost of medicine can be a burden on your loved ones
who have limited income and resources,”” he notes. “”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 an average of $3,700 per
year.””[neWLine]

To figure out if 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).[neWLine]

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.[neWLine]

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.[neWLine]

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. Social Security does not count their
house and car as resources.[neWLine]

Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that
anyone – family members, friends and caregivers – can complete.ðYou
can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov .[neWLine]

To apply by phone or get an application, call Social Security at
1-800-772-1213 and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare
Prescription Drug Plan Costs. Or go to the nearest Social Security
office.[neWLine]

So this Mother’s Day, give someone you love something special:ð
the peace of mind that comes with knowing extra help is available
with Medicare prescription drug costs.ðThen go one step further –
help them apply.ðThere is no better way to show how much you
care.[neWLine][neWLine]

TODAY’S QUOTE: “”I want a daily newspaper that looks as good as
Vogue but smells like a cinnamon bun instead of perfume,”” says
columnist Jack Shafer, Slate, 2006.