Starting at the end of May and running through the month of June, CMS is mailing notices to people who automatically qualify for extra help paying for a Medicare prescription drug plan, including those with Medicare and Medicaid, SSI and Medicare Savings Program coverage. The letters will inform these individuals that prescription drug coverage is on its way and that they will receive the help without having to apply for it. Later this summer, SSA will mail a different letter to those who might not automatically be qualified, but who may still be eligible through a written application submission process. FYI ~ 1-800-MEDICARE is gearing up to help people with Medicare understand their prescription drug coverage and determine if they qualify for the extra help now available. Callers can use the automated system to acquire information regarding Medicare drug coverage. Visit www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/default.asp to learn more.