By Graham Cawthon

May 9, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) --
SHELBYSHELBY -"I helped my mom save $3,600 on prescription drugs and you can too."

As millions greet their moms Sunday with a "Happy Mother's Day," the Social Security Administration is using the tagline above to spread the word of how they're helping cut Medicare drug costs for those in need.

Have a parent on Medicare and with limited income? According to Paul D. Barnes, the Social Security Administration's regional commissioner, his office wants to hear from you.

Barnes, from his Atlanta office, said Congress passed a law in January 2006 for Medicare to expand to cover prescription drugs. And when Congress approved that motion, they also allowed Medicare beneficiaries to apply for extra help if they needed it.

The only problem? Not enough people know they're eligible.

"Even though the program has been available ... we've made a lot of effort to contact people who are potentially eligible," Barnes said Thursday. "It was mostly designed as a convenience."

To qualify for the extra help, certain criteria must be met. But even if you don't exactly fill into the requirements, there's still a chance you or someone you love could benefit from the program.

"Even if they're a little over (income-wise), contact us," Barnes said. "We encourage people to contact us immediately."

The Social Security Administration is helping those on Medicare cover prescription drug costs. Read on to see if you're eligible and how to apply.

Requirements to apply for prescription drug coverage through Social Security:

Must be a Medicare beneficiary

Have an individual annual income limited to $15,600 or $21,000 for a married couple living together

Have resources limited to $11,990 for an individual or $23,970 for a married couple. Resources include bank accounts, stocks and bonds. They do not include homes and cars.

Documents needed to apply:

Statements that show account balances at banks, credit unions or other financial institutions

Investment statements

Life insurance policy statements

Stock certificates

Tax returns

Pension award letters

Payroll slips

For more information, visit the Social Security Administration's Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1800 772-1213. Applications are available on the Web site.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0253-25163905