Posted: Wednesday, September 3, 2008 12:00 am
An estimated 22,000 Oregonians with Medicare qualify for assistance paying for prescription drug insurance but aren't taking advantage of this benefit.
Medicare recipients are eligible for the Low Income Subsidy that helps pay for Part D drug coverage if they meet these guidelines:
€ Annual income below $15,600 for an individual or $21,000 for a married couple living together.
€ Resources of no more than $11,990 for an individual or $23,970 for a married couple living together. Resources include bank accounts, stock and bonds but not home and vehicles.
The Low Income Subsidy helps with the cost of monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments.
Beth Fox of the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program in Linn and Benton Counties advises Medicare recipients to consult a SHIBA volunteer for help in applying for the benefit. The application is sent to the Social Security Administration (SSA), which reviews eligibility every year.
SHIBA volunteers also are trained to help people select a prescription drug plan that fits their needs and understand other Medicare choices.
Anyone in Linn County who thinks they qualify for the Low Income Subsidy should call 812-0849 and make an appointment with a SHIBA volunteer. Lebanon area residents also may call the Lebanon Senior Center at 258-4919 for a SHIBA appointment.
SHIBA is a statewide network of trained volunteers that provides unbiased, personalized information to Medicare recipients. Part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, SHIBA is funded by CMS and state general funds.
Additional information about SHIBA, how to become a SHIBA volunteer, and a list of local county SHIBA sponsors is available at: www.oregonshiba.org.