You may qualify for "Extra Help", also called the low-income subsidy (LIS), from Medicare to help pay prescription drug costs if your yearly income and resources are below the following limits in 2011:

• Single person: Monthly income less than $1,361 and resources less than $12,640;
• Married person living with a spouse and no other dependents: Monthly income less than $1,839 and resources below $25,260.

The local HICAP office can assist you by completing an online application through Social Security's website. Call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 to have a counselor help explain the "Extra Help" program and complete the online application or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.