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Medicare provides prescription drug coverage for people who are eligible for Medicare alone, and for those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. "Dual eligibles" are the group of Medicare eligibles who also qualify for Medicaid. The following information is from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and is current as of January 3, 2012. 

• Your decision about Medicare prescription drug coverage depends on the kind of health care coverage you have now. There are two ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage. You can join a Medicare prescription drug plan or you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Health Plan that offers drug coverage.
• Whatever plan you choose, Medicare drug coverage will help you by covering brand-name and generic drugs at pharmacies that are convenient for you.
• Like other insurance, if you join, generally you will pay a monthly premium, which varies by plan, and a yearly deductible. You will also pay a part of the cost of your prescriptions, including a copayment or coinsurance. Costs will vary depending on which drug plan you choose. Some plans may offer more coverage and additional drugs for a higher monthly premium. If you have limited income and resources, and you qualify for extra help, you may not have to pay a premium or deductible. You can apply or get more information about the extra help by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov on the web.

• You must reside in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia;
• Your resources must be limited to $12,640 for an individual or $25,260 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your home, car, and any life insurance policy as resources; and
• Your annual income must be limited to $16,335 for an individual or $22,065 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Some examples where your income may be higher are if you or your spouse:
  • Support other family members who live with you;
  • Have earnings from work; or
  • Live in Alaska or Hawaii.

How Do I Apply for Extra Help?
It is easy to apply for Extra Help. Just complete Social Security's Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Here's how:

• You can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp;
• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone or to request an application; or
• Apply at your local Social Security office.
• After you apply, Social Security will review your application and send you a letter to let you know if you qualify for the Extra Help. Once you qualify, you can choose a Medicare prescription drug plan. If you do not select a plan, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will do it for you. The sooner you join a plan the sooner you begin receiving benefits. 

• Help paying your Medicare drug plan’s monthly premium, any yearly deductible, coinsurance, and copayments 
• No coverage gap 
• No late enrollment penalty 
• You automatically qualify for Extra Help if you have Medicare and meet one of these conditions: 
• You have full Medicaid coverage. 
• You get help from your state Medicaid program paying your Part B premiums (in a Medicare Savings Program). 
• You get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.