Florida Medicare – How to Apply for Assistance

Applying for Help if You Don't Qualify Automatically

It's estimated that a third of beneficiaries with Medicare can get Extra Help with Medicare costs – but the government may not know if you're one of them! For that reason, it's a good idea to apply for Extra Help, even if you're not sure you qualify. With a quick visit to the Social Security Administration Website, you can find out if you're eligible for Medicare assistance and even apply online.

How Do I Find Out if I Qualify for Extra Help?

You may want to use the handy calculator on the Social Security Administration Website, called Find Out If You Qualify.

To use the calculator:

• Go to the SSA Website.
• Click the button at the bottom right labeled Find Out If You Qualify
• Answer some questions about your assets and sources of income

In just a few minutes, you'll get a recommendation on whether you should apply. If the answer is yes, just click on "Apply Now" to start your application.

How Do I Apply?

The simple, four-page application is available at your local Social Security Administration office. You can also get an application form by calling the Social Security's toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

Or you can apply for extra help online:

• Go to the SSA Webpage Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs
• Click the button at the bottom right labeled Apply Now
• Read the page and click Continue
• Answer some questions about your assets and sources of income (if you used the online calculator, your computer may skip this part)
• Enter information about yourself, your spouse, and how you can be reached
• Review your application, submit it, and print your "receipt"

The application is secured, which means only you and the Social Security Administration can see the information you provide.

Additionally, CarePlus has a specially trained Social Services Department designed to help members apply for public assistance through the Medicaid and extra help programs. CarePlus has been assisting health plan members to attain dual eligibility status since 2002. We also help with navigating application processes and securing financial assistance through Florida's Medicaid cost-sharing programs.

The CarePlus Social Services Department assists members to obtain Medicaid and with the periodic renewal process of Medicaid, through a variety of eligibility pathways. These services are offered at no additional cost to all CarePlus Medicare Advantage health plan members. Dual eligible members are also allowed to take advantage of special election periods that may not be available to other Medicare Advantage members, some of which include being able to enroll in a CareNeeds Special Needs Plan (SNP) and CareNeeds PLUS Plan at any time during the calendar year.

For more information on the services offered by our Social Services team, please see the brochure by clicking on the following links below.

Social Services Department Brochure

English Version

Spanish Version

And remember, applying for Extra Help is NOT the same as joining a Prescription Drug Plan. Whether you qualify for Extra Help or not, you must also enroll in a plan to get prescription drug coverage.