The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Editorials

June 14, 2009

In times like these, every dollar counts

Social Security column

By Melinda Groom

Fathers are often known for their good advice, whether it’s how to catch a ball, ace a job interview, grill the perfect burger or get the best deal on a new car.

But if your father is struggling with the high cost of prescription drugs, maybe it’s time for you to give him a few words of advice. This Father’s Day, you may be able to help your dad save an average of $3,900 a year on his prescription drug costs. Here’s how.

If your father, or any father figure you know, is covered by Medicare and has limited income and resources, he may qualify for extra help — available through Social Security — to pay part of his monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help is worth an average of $3,900 per year.

To figure out whether your father is eligible, Social Security needs to know his income and the value of his savings, investments and real estate (other than the home he lives in). To qualify for the extra help, he must be receiving Medicare and also have:

- Income limited to $16,245 for an individual or $21, 855 for a married couple living together. Even if his annual income is higher, he still may be able to get some help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. Some examples where income may be higher include if he or his wife:

1) Support other family members who live with them; or

2) Have earnings from work; and

- Resources limited to $12,510 for an individual or $25,010 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. We do not count his house or car as resources.

------

Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that you can help complete. You can find it at www.socialsecurity. gov/prescriptionhelp. To apply by phone or have an application mailed to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Or go to the nearest Social Security office.

To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plans and special enrollment periods, visit www.medicare.gov or call

1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).

------

So this Father’s Day, as the meat is grilling, you’re playing catch, and talking about your own kids, fit in a bit of good advice for Dad — advice he can put to use right away. Tell him about the extra help with his prescription drug costs. In fact, you can help him apply online in minutes at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. After all, in times like these, every dollar counts.

— Groom is Social Security acting district manager in Beckley.

Text Only
Editorials
  • Drug screening

    When it comes to coal mine safety issues, representatives of the United Mine Workers often are leading the way.

    February 10, 2012

  • This is why

    Operation of Fayette schools
    won’t return to local control  
    until there is some consensus

    February 9, 2012

  • MSU

    Mountain State University is at a critical crossroads and southern West Virginians need to step up and show their support for the school and its hundreds of students and employees.

    February 8, 2012

  • MSU

    Community needs to show its support for our university

    February 8, 2012

  • If you don’t think so, you’d better think again

    EPA regulations turning the screw on coal industry

    February 7, 2012

  • Airport projects crucial

    Tom Cochran and others at the Raleigh County Memorial Airport can breathe a little easier, or at least take a deep breath and exhale, after word came from Sen. Jay Rockefeller’s office last week that a deal has been struck between the two chambers in Congress to authorize long-term funding, into 2015, for the Federal Aviation Administration.

    February 5, 2012

  • Thumbs — Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012

    February 4, 2012

  • It’s not a choice

    Whether a bill to eliminate tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike when the current bonds expire some eight years from now is passed by the Legislature and signed into law or not, one thing is absolutely certain — the state Transportation Department has the responsibility to maintain that 88-mile stretch of Interstate highway.

    February 3, 2012

  • On the shelf

    A Senate bill (SB168) offered by 13 of the upper chamber’s members that would have given counties the option to boost the pay of county commissioners, sheriffs, county and circuit clerks, assessors and prosecuting attorneys by at least $10,000 each has apparently been shelved and will do nothing but draw dust this legislative session.

    February 2, 2012

  • The time is now

    Drug abuse.

    February 1, 2012