Additional information for state and county legislators
Congress gave Social Security the responsibility to help the public understand that they may be eligible for extra help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. Social Security, as well as state governments, has a role in helping people apply for the extra help and processing their applications.
Social Security designed a simplified application so that caregivers and third parties can assist people when they apply for extra help. Social Security does not want this population to have to travel to a Social Security field office. There are several ways for people to apply. They can:
- Apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov;
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone or get an application;
- Get an application from various groups that have partnered with Social Security, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, pharmacies, and others; or
- Apply at their local Social Security field office.
To support our application process Social Security has undertaken a major public educational and outreach campaign. Social Security has held thousands of events and trained thousands of organizations and state agencies to assist in our outreach efforts. Social Security has worked with Medicaid personnel, State Pharmacy Assistance Programs (SPAPs), State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Directors and various community organizations providing training, instructional materials, pamphlets and posters when needed. Social Security will continue to provide any necessary training or materials you need.
You can arrange to meet with Social Security representatives by contacting Social Security’s Regional Communication Directors. A listing is provided on the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/natlpocontacts.html. You can find more informational materials at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareoutreach2.
Also see:
- 2026 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines (FPL): 2026/2027 LIS Qualifications and Benefits
- 2027 Low-Income Subsidy Benchmark Premium Amounts (includes 2026 - 2006 for comparison)
- What is the income limit for extra help?
- What does not count toward the income limit?
- What is the resource limit?
- What does not count as a resource?
- Income and Resources (Assets) Worksheet
- CMS Guide to LIS Consumer Mailings
- What will plans be like in 2027
(Source: Social Security Administration: Understanding The Extra Help With Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan publication 10508, 2009. Additional examples and links from this site)