As of 2019, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, reported that 599,589 people out of 1,752,735 cancer cases have died from the said disease. Medical expenses for this disease increase depending on its severity and the rising cost of hospital charges. StatNews said the price of hospital charges had soared 600% since 1990.
The federal government has offered the Extra Help or Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, which assists in paying for most out-of-pocket costs of Medicare prescription drugs. Triage Cancer revealed that the program comes in two levels: full and partial, depending on your annual income and assets. In general, the program offers the following benefits:
- Pays for your Part D premium depending on the state-specific benchmark amount
- Removes any Part D late enrollment penalty incurred if there is a delay in Part D enrollment
- Assists with the cost of your Medicare prescription drugs
Federal program – Extra Help provides monetary assistance to lower the costs of Medicare prescription drugs. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Medicare Interactive states that the benefit you get from Extra Help depends on your income and assets. An individual applicant must have an annual income limit of $20,385 and an asset below $15,160. At the same time, a married couple must have a yearly income limit of $27,465 and an asset below $30,240.
You can apply for Extra Help through their website or by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. But if you already have a Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare Savings Program (MSP), or Medicaid, you are automatically qualified for the program. You should receive a notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
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