It’s a tough balancing act to perform when financial challenges overtake the monthly budget. For the elderly and disabled, it often means pinching pennies and choosing between groceries and medication in order to afford drug costs and other essentials. 

“I’ve got medication I have to take every day of my life,” said Mary Ellen Bryant. “I start to panic a little when I realize I have to refill them but won’t have the money for all of them…how can I choose between my diabetic pills and my migraine medication? It’s hard.”

But help is on the way for Medicare recipients who qualify based on limited income and resources. In conjunction with the Area Agency on Aging, Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties introduces the Extra Help program for qualifying Medicare beneficiaries. 

The Extra Help program reduces out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs and the Medicare Savings Programs may pay some or all of the cost of Medicare medical coverage. 

“The Extra Help program could pay your monthly drug plan premium, annual deductible, and some or all of your copayments for prescription drugs,” said Lori Moon, case manager for Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties. “The Medicare Savings Programs may pay some or all of the Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles and coinsurances.”

Not sure if you qualify?

“We’re here to help,” Moon added. “Anyone who may be confused or unsure about whether they qualify should call us. We’ll help them sort through the red tape and in those cases where they qualify, we can help with the paperwork.”   

Meals-on-Wheels is a community-based, non-profit organization serving the homebound elderly and disabled residents throughout Johnson & Ellis County for 35 years. If you or someone you know could benefit from Meals-on-Wheels services, please call (972) 351-9943, or visit www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org.