Social Security Q&A

Question: Is it true that if you have low income you can get help paying Medicare premiums?

Answer: Yes. If your income and resources are limited, your state may be able to help with your Medicare Part B premium, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts. State rules vary on the income and resource limits that apply.

Contact your state or local medical assistance, social services or welfare office, or call the Medicare hotline, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask about the Medicare Savings Programs. If you have limited income and resources, you also may be eligible for help paying for prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit any Social Security office and ask about extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage.

(TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.) Online information is available at www.medicare.gov and at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Question: When a Social Security beneficiary dies, does the funeral home notify Social Security or is the death notification up to the family?

Answer: Many funeral directors voluntarily provide death information directly to Social Security. But, family members of a deceased individual still should notify Social Security. For information on what action to take when a beneficiary dies, see our online publication, What To Do When A Beneficiary Dies, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/deathbenefits.htm.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.