Q: I applied for a Social Security card for my baby at the hospital, but the card came back with a misspelled name. What should I do to correct this?
A: Find at least two original documents proving your child’s U.S. citizenship and identity (doctor, clinic, or hospital record recently stamped and signed), as well as one proof of your identity as the parent (driver’s license/state ID). Then go to your local Social Security office and ask for a corrected card. The documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. To find out more, go online to www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
Q: I need to make changes to my Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Can I do that now?
A: Open season for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage continues until Dec. 7. The Medicare Part D prescription drug program is available to all Medicare beneficiaries. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary and participants pay an additional monthly premium. While you are looking at changing your plan, you might want to revisit the Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs. If you have limited income and resources, you might be eligible for Extra Help to pay monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,000 per year. To find out more, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. For more information about the Medicare Part D prescription drug program itself, go online to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).
Send questions to Robert Fenn, Social Security Administration, Second Floor, Federal Building, 2 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308. Fax: 330-375-5616 or email: Robert.Fenn@ssa.gov.