Letters Alert Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries to Missed Benefits

ST. LOUIS – Medicare beneficiaries will receive a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) if they may be eligible for help with their out-of-pocket medical and drug expenses. St. Louis Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA) and Mid-East Area Agency on Aging (MEAAA) encourage beneficiaries who receive these letters to take action to learn more about the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) and Extra Help.

The letters are sent annually to people with Medicare with limited incomes who could be eligible for—but are not enrolled in—an MSP, which helps with Medicare out-of-pocket costs, or Extra Help, which helps with the cost of prescription drugs.

"We want people to know that these letters are not a scam," David Sykora, Director of SLAAA, said. "They are an important notification that Medicare beneficiaries should review and consider. We can help them determine if they are eligible, apply, enroll, and even understand how to use their new benefits."

Anyone receiving a letter—or who believes they or a loved one may be able to get help from these programs—should contact their local Area Agency on Aging. SLAAA provides services to residents of the City of St. Louis and can be reached at (314) 612-5918 for assistance at no charge. MEAAA provides services to residents of St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, and Franklin counties and can be reached at (636) 207-0847 for assistance at no charge.

Medicare beneficiaries can also go online to see if they are eligible for MSPs, Extra Help and other benefits that can supplement their monthly budget. The National Council on Aging's BenefitsCheckUp® is a free, confidential screening tool that can connect older and adults and younger adults with disabilities to these programs. Learn more at BenefitsCheckUp.org.

St. Louis Area Agency on Aging
Serving residents of the City of St. Louis.
1520 Market St. Room 4086
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 612-5918

Mid-East Area Agency on Aging
Serving residents of St. Louis County, St. Charles, Jefferson, and Franklin Counties
14535 Manchester Rd
Ballwin, MO 63011
(636) 207-0847