Last August, while we were enjoying our summer and relatively warm weather, we missed a few news items and press releases that could affect our health and the way we live – and our budget. Winter budgets are a concern to a lot of us folks. Now that I’m not distracted by enticing weather, I can plow through a pile of items I saved for a thorough look-see later on.

From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, comes the following reminder – you may not be aware that more than 2,000,000 low-income seniors and others could qualify for help with the cost of prescription drugs. Most would pay no more than $2.50 for generic drugs and $6.30 for each brand name drug.

Are you eligible? I signed up for this quite awhile ago, and every month I get a statement that explains what my prescription drugs cost for the month – generally, I pay about $2.50 per prescription – and though mine are all generic, even they could cost more than $100 if I did not have this coverage. Medicare Low Income Subsidy Program (also called “Extra Help”) pays the balance.

The steps and requirements beneficiaries can take to check if they qualify for the Medicare Low-Income Subsidy Program (also known as LIS or “Extra Help”) are simple and may be done by phone or online, says CMS. Qualification changes are made often and we may not even pay attention when this news is broadcast or appears in print.

The Social Security Administration, which determines eligibility for the program, does not count life insurance policies as a resource for eligibility purposes. In addition, help received from family and friends to pay for household expenses like food, mortgage, rent and utilities does not count as income.

“The eligibility requirements are more flexible than they were a couple of years ago, ‘Extra Help’ can be lifesaving for someone who needs prescription drugs and needs help with the cost,” said Dr. Don Berwick, CMS Administrator.

“If you were turned down for ‘Extra Help’ in the past due to income or resource levels, you should reapply. If you qualify, you will receive help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage premiums, co-payments and deductibles.”

To qualify, Medicare beneficiaries’ incomes must be less than $16,335 a year (or $22,065 for married couples) and have resources limited to $12,640 (or $25,260 for married couples). Resources include bank accounts, stocks, and bonds, but do not include a beneficiary’s house, car, or life insurance policy.

There is no cost to apply for “Extra Help.” Medicare beneficiaries, family members, trusted counselors or caregivers can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.

Beneficiaries may also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Medicare’s Part D Extra Help. Medicare beneficiaries can also receive assistance and information in their local communities from their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA), located in Scarborough.

As we begin a new year, my 75th, I want to truly thank all those readers who send me e-mails, write letters and notes, and call with questions, comments and information. This is such a help when I sit down each week with that blank piece of paper and start making notes. I hope to encourage more of you to take advantage of every bit of help that’s available from food pantries to free sand at your local public works department! We’ve all worked hard all our lives, paid our taxes and supported the local economy. When help is offered, accept it. I will try to keep you informed.

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.