Yes. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or are enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) such as QI, SLMB or QMB, you automatically qualify for Extra Help, the federal program that helps pay most of your Medicare prescription drug (Part D) costs. You do not need to apply.

To learn more about the Extra Help program, click on "Will I get help paying for the Medicare drug benefit if my income is low (Extra Help)?" in the GO TO box.

However, you do need to choose a plan through which to get your Medicare drug coverage. You should call 800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov to find the plan that best meets your needs—covers the drugs you need and works at the pharmacies you use regularly. Then enroll in that plan.

To find out how to sign up for a Medicare private drug plan, click on "How do I enroll in the Medicare prescription drug benefit?" in the GO TO box.

If you do not enroll in a Medicare private drug plan, you will be randomly assigned to one. If you qualify for SSI or an MSP, you will have a Special Enrollment Period to change Medicare drug plans once a month. You will not have to pay a premium penalty even if you are enrolling after you were first eligible for the benefit.

To find out about applying for MSPs, click on the link "Could I be eligible for government programs other than Medicaid to help with my health care costs (Medicare Savings Programs)?" in the GO TO box.

For more information about MSPs, contact your Medicaid office or your state’s SHIP. For Medicaid and SHIP contact information, click on the links in the LINKS box.

To get help understanding your Medicare benefit options, click on the link in the GO TO box.