apply at any time by ….

apply at any time by going to the Social Security Administration website’s “Extra Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs” page ( secure.ssa. gov/i1020/start), or by calling the local Social Security Office to make an appointment to go in and fill out the application. The closest office is in Long Beach and may be reached by calling (800) 772-1213.

Some people may also be able to get help from the state with other Medicare costs under Medicare Savings Programs. Information on those programs can be found at cahealthadvocates. org/low-income-help/ medicare- savings- programsmsps/. A Medicare insurance broker or a representative of the Orange County Social Serevices Agency can help start people start the application process for a Medicare Savings Program.

Sandra Teel can be contacted at (657) 204-4224 or (909) 856-9379.