ASK LOLAYOUR MEDICARE RESOURCE Do You Have Limited Income and Medical Needs? Healthcare Options are Available By Lola Ramos Program Manager, Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP), Inland Empire DEAR LOLA: My wife recently passedpremium assistance. However, you may away and I am now receiving her Social Security benefits of $1,300. I was always self employed and previously did not 65, I will have a penalty to pay? Is that correct? My income is only $1,200 a month. Ican't afford a penalty. potentially qualify for the Part D, Low income Subsidy program also known as John Extra Help. This program would help pay for your part D premium, deduct draw a lot for Social Security. Now that I am receiving the additional income plus my current income of $198, I am over the limit to qualify for the Medicare DEAR JOHN: That is correct, if you did ible, and reduce your co-pays. If you are not enrol in Part D when you became interested in learning more about thiseligible, you are subject to a penalty. If program and how you can apply please your income is $1,200 a month, you can Savings Program, Part B help. What can contact HICAP and one of our experi- ply for Extra Help and MSP (Medi I do? I barely make enough to survive. enced counselors will further assist you care Savings Program). These two pro- Larry grams will help pay for your Part B and Part D premium. Again, under other DEAR LOLA: I have always been I signed up for Part A and B when I been diagnosed with high blood pres- DEAR LARRY: I am sorry for your healthy and never needed medications.circumstances, you could be subject to loss, the income limit for the Medicare Savings Program is $1,386 for an indi vidual. According to the information you have provided it sounds like you are over the limit by $112. I understand you are going thru a rough patch and unfor my medication. I was told that since I tunately you may no longer qualify for a penalty, however there some excep- turned 65, six years ago. I recently have ns to the rule. If you qualify for Extra Help, your penalty will be waived. Call sure and must pay out of pocket for HICAP and a state-registered coun selor will gather your information and help you with the application process. didn't sign up for Part D when I turned Questions about Medicare? Call HICAP at (909) 291-7592 or email AskLola@hicapsbc.org HICAP a Program of Council on Agingg www.coasc.org