Text Script of Informational Video

Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs

You know just how hard life can be. Sometimes you worry that you may have to choose -- buy your medications, or take care of other needs. It's a choice that too many older and disabled Americans with limited income have to make. But there's good news: help is coming soon.

Hello, I'm Darlynda Bogle, with Social Security. This coming January, a new Medicare prescription drug program will take effect. The program will help all Medicare beneficiaries save money on their prescription drugs. But there's also extra financial help for those with limited income. And maybe it could help you pay the costs of your premiums, deductibles, and co-payments. It's our goal at Social Security to see that everyone who might qualify for this extra help applies for it.

Many of you won't even have to apply, because you'll automatically get this help, based on other benefits you already receive. But we want to reach every older American and disabled beneficiary who may not realize they can get extra help. You might be one of them. That's why we're mailing applications to almost 19 million Medicare beneficiaries who might qualify.

A cover letter comes with the application, explaining the program, explaining who is eligible, and explaining how to complete the application. If you get an application in the mail, fill it out and send it back to Social Security in the stamped, addressed envelope provided. We'll review it and let you know if you qualify for the extra help. If you don't get an application in the mail, but you want to apply, there are several ways you can do so: you can call 1-800-772-1213, and ask for an application to be sent to you or complete one over the phone; you can go online to our internet web site, www.socialsecurity.gov, where you can complete an application online, beginning July 1, 2005; you can contact your state Medicaid office, which has applications, and can help you complete one; or you can visit your local Social Security office. In addition, you might have an opportunity to attend a workshop, or other event in your community, where you can get help filling out an application.

If you have questions, or if you just want to know more, Social Security has plenty of written materials for you, including pamphlets, fact sheets, and worksheets. You can find them on our web site -- www.socialsecurity.gov. Or, you can request more information by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The new Medicare prescription drug program is an important new benefit for Medicare beneficiaries. It might be just the help you need to make sure you don't have to make that hard choice between your medications and the other necessities of life.

So if you have limited income, and think you might be eligible for extra help with your prescription drug costs, please fill out an application as soon as you can. The sooner you apply, the sooner you'll find out whether you qualify.

Thank you.