Around this time of year, those who have Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage may see themselves becoming closer to the donut hole. The donut hole is the gap in coverage in which an individual will have to pay full price for prescription drugs until over $4,000 is paid outof pocket. Many Medicare beneficiaries may have trouble paying for prescription drugs in the donut hole, if not before. Help is available.

Medicare beneficiaries may apply for Extra Help, also known as Low Income Subsidy (LIS) through the Social Security Administration to receive assistance paying for their Medicare prescription drug costs. If someone qualifies for Extra Help they will pay a lower drug plan premium, smaller annual deductible and lower co-insurance and co-pays for coverage prescription drugs. The monthly income guidelines requires individuals to have less than $1,353.75 monthly income and couples to have less than $1,821.25 for a monthly income. Individuals must also have assets less than $12,510 and assets for couples may not exceed $25,010. There are different levels of Extra Help available depending upon income and resource limits. Call the Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433 for assistance with completing an Extra Help application or for help understanding the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Help is available over the phone or inperson. The Senior Link- Age Line® is a free service of the MN Board on Aging.

Call 1-800-333-2433 for assistance or go to www. MinnesotaHelp.info to chat live with a Senior LinkAge Line® Specialist.