Medicare Part D Information...he National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New York City Chapter: "People who currently have Medicare and choose to purchase one of the new Part D prescription drug plans will begin selecting a specific plan this fall after information about their choices is made available. Before that time, the Social Security Administration (SSA) wants to identify and process Medicare beneficiaries who will be eligible for the subsidy assistance offered in the program (known as extra-help).

Therefore, Medicare and the SSA are now reaching out to low-income Medicare beneficiaries who might be eligible to receive financial assistance with their Plan D out-of-pocket costs such as premiums, deductibles, and co-payment amounts. The process of being "deemed eligible" (qualified) for the subsidy is expected to generate many questions about who is eligible for the subsidy, how to document income and assets, what are the expected costs, and how and where to apply. Special efforts are being made now and through the summer to address these needs. "