How about this for a Father’s Day present–help Dad with Medicare prescription drug problems

Maryann Strumfield, guest writing for  the St. Petersburg Times, has this suggestion for a neat gift for  your dad:

On Father’s Day, we celebrate the special men in our lives. Thereare a number of ways you can show someone you love how much you care.This year, while you’re watching the ball game or spending some qualitytime together, tell that special someone about something that canreally make a difference.

If your dad is a senior, tell him howto get extra help with his Medicare prescription drug costs. The highcost of medicine can be a burden on your loved ones who have limitedincome and resources. Extra help – available through Social Security -can pay part of their monthly premiums, annual deductibles andprescription copayments. The extra help could be worth more than $3,300 per year.

To figure out if dad is eligible, Social Securityneeds to know your loved one’s income and the value of savings,investments and real estate (other than the home where he lives). Toqualify for the extra help, dad must be receiving Medicare and haveincome limited to $15,315 for an individual or $20,535 for a marriedcouple living together. Even if their annual income is higher, yourloved ones still may be able to get some help with monthly premiums,annual deductibles and prescription copayments.

More:  http://www.sptimes.com/2007/06/14/Hernando/Helping_him_with_Medi.shtml