Advocate Resources for Medicare’s LINET Program

LINET is a Medicare program that provides immediate prescription coverage for Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for Medicaid or Extra Help and have no prescription drug coverage.

Enrollment in LINET is temporary, usually for 1 to 2 months. This provides the beneficiary time to choose a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan that best fits their needs. If the beneficiary does not select a plan within this timeframe, Medicare will enroll the beneficiary into a benchmark plan. Coverage for out-of-pocket expenses during eligible periods (retroactive coverage) is also available by submitting a direct member reimbursement form.

Medicare’s LINET program tutorial

Whether you’re new to LINET or need a refresher, we made a video providing a high-level overview of the program. Watch our LINET program video here.

Helpful LINET resources for advocates

Eligibility requirements

Documents and forms

Other resources

Eligibility requirements of the LINET program include:

Medicare and Part D eligibility
Eligible for Extra Help, including any of the following:
- Full-benefit dual-eligible beneficiaries: those with Medicare and full Medicaid benefits
- SSI-only beneficiaries: those with Medicare who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) but do not have Medicaid
- Partial-benefit dual-eligible beneficiaries: those with Medicare who qualify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) but not full Medicaid, i.e., QMB Only, SLMB Only and QI
- Extra Help applicants: those who have applied for, and have been awarded, Extra Help through SSA or their state
Have no other prescription coverage, including:
- Part D plan coverage
- Retiree drug subsidy (RDS) plan
- VA coverage
Not enrolled in a Part C plan, which does not allow concomitant enrollment in a Part D plan
Not opted out of auto-enrollment
Have a permanent address in the 50 states or DC