Medicare Canceling Low Income Subsidy Help for Medicare Part D Beneficiaries Who Did Not Submit Necessary Financial Information – Note: Must Appeal Within 10 Days to Keep Continuing Extra Help

Loss of LIS Due to the Medicare Beneficiary Not Responding to a Redetermination Request by SSA

SSA is in the process of mailing “SSA Medicare Prescription Drug Assistance Notice of Termination” letters to some beneficiaries who are currently receiving the low-income subsidy. A small group of beneficiaries will receive this mailing beginning the week of March 2. Beneficiaries will no longer receive the Extra Help effective April 1 because they did not provide information about their continuing eligibility.

It is important for beneficiaries to know three key things:

Their current drug plan will contact them to let them know how much their coverage will cost
They have a 3-month special enrollment period to enroll in a less expensive drug plan if they so choose
They can file an appeal or reapply for Extra Help

Beneficiaries should contact SSA right away to file an appeal if they disagree with this decision. Appeals can be made within 60 days of receiving the dated letter from SSA. Only those who file an appeal within the first 10 days will continue to receive the Extra Help while their appeal is waiting decision. Beneficiaries should also re-apply for Extra Help if their situation changes at any time in the future.

Beneficiaries should contact SSA at 1-800-SSA-1213 (1-800-772-1213) to file the appeal.