Learn more about Medicare’s Extra Help Program, also called Part D Low-Income Subsidy. Find out how you may be able to save money and get help paying your prescription drug costs.


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What is Medicare “Extra Help?” (Medicare Part D’s Low-Income Subsidy)

Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) is offered to everyone with Medicare. For people with limited income and resources, a program called “Extra Help” is available to help pay for Part D premiums, deductibles and copayments related to a Medicare prescription drug plan.

Also known as the Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS), “Extra Help” is estimated to be worth about $6,200 per year.1 Here’s a look at who qualifies, the benefits and how to apply.

To qualify for “Extra Help”, you must:

Live in the United States

Be enrolled in or eligible for a Part D prescription drug plan

Meet the income limit

Meet the resource limit



Learn more about Medicare

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Income refers to how much money you (and your spouse if you’re married) make in a calendar year.

Resources include the value of the things you own. Some examples include:

Real estate (other than your primary residence)

Bank accounts (checking, savings and certificates of deposit)

Stocks

Bonds (including U.S. Savings Bonds)

Mutual funds

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

Cash at home or anywhere else

What are the benefits of Medicare “Extra Help?”3

“Extra Help” supports people who are on Medicare and also qualify for their state’s Medicaid program. 2025 benefits include:2

No or reduced monthly premium

No annual deductible

Paying no more than $4.90 for each generic/preferred multi-source drug or biosimilar

Paying no more than $12.15 for all other drugs

Once your total drug costs (including certain payments made on your behalf, like through the Extra Help program) reach $2,000, you’ll pay $0 for each covered drug.

Other benefits of “Extra Help”

In addition to lower out-of-pocket costs, “Extra Help” gives you:

No Part D late enrollment penalty—Medicare charges this penalty to people who don’t sign up for Part D drug coverage when you’re first eligible for a Part D plan. You will not be charged this penalty.

Special Enrollment Periods—Most people with Medicare can only make changes to their drug coverage at certain times of the year. If you get “Extra Help,” you may have access to these special enrollment periods.

How do I apply for “Extra Help?” 

Some people automatically qualify for “Extra Help” and others have to apply. You'll automatically receive “Extra Help” if you get:

Full Medicaid coverage

Help from your state paying your Part B premiums

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from Social Security

If you don’t automatically qualify for “Extra Help”, you can apply through the Social Security Administration in 3 ways:

Online—Go to the Social Security Administration’s website

Phone—Call 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778)

In person—Visit your local Social Security office

Note: If you don’t qualify for “Extra Help” now, you can reapply at any time if your income and resources change.

If you qualify for Extra Help

Every member is responsible for following all the rules and procedures in the Evidence of Coverage (EOC). Download this document in the appropriate language below.

Extra Help Rider – English


Extra Help Rider – Spanish

Extra Help Rider – Chinese


A little can go a long way

“Extra Help” can help pay for all or most of your monthly Medicare premiums and annual deductibles, plus lower your prescription copayments. For more ways to potentially save on out-of-pocket costs, check out these other Medicare Savings Programs.

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Understanding the Extra Help with Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan,” Social Security Administration, last accessed Feb. 5, 2025.

“Help with drug costs,” Medicare.gov, last accessed Feb. 5, 2025.   



Your situation	Income limit	Resource limit
Single	$22,590	$17,600
Married couple living together	$30,660	$35,130

Medicare “Extra Help” income and resource limits