I'm on a fixed income and struggling to afford my medications. What's this Extra Help program I've heard about for Medicare Part D?

Question

Maureen McKenna · Accepted Answer

Extra Help is made available to lower income seniors on Medicare that require financial assistance to pay for their prescription drug costs. This may include: premium, deductibles, copays, etc. You must meet certain income requirements to qualify for this program and you can contact your local Medicare Agent or your local SSA office.

Answered by Maureen McKenna on April 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 19 other states

Answered by Maureen McKenna Medicare Insurance Agent

Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Answer

In 2025, single tax filers making up to $ 1,976 monthly gross income with no more than $ 17,600 in assets (couples: $ 2,665 / $ 35,130) should qualify for Extra Help for Medicare Part D also referred to as LIS (Low Income Subsidy). To apply for help, go to ssa.gov/extra help, call Social Security at 800.772.1213, or call your local SS office. Walk in traffic is not recommended.

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen on April 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI, AZ, CA & 16 other states

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen Medicare Insurance Agent

William Lawler · Answer

Check with your state Social Security office to apply for the Extra Help program. Applying to Medicaid may also be an option.

Charles Fletcher · Answer

If you meet certain criteria related to assets and income you may qualify for reduced medications. A knowledgeable broker such as myself should be able to help you explore those limits. The application itself, which can be submitted by your broker on your behalf, usually only takes a few minutes to complete.

Answered by Charles Fletcher on April 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA, AZ, ID, NV & TN

Answered by Charles Fletcher Medicare Insurance Agent

Kelsey Hentzen · Answer

You can apply for extra help Medicare Part D by going to www.ssa.gov. There you will see an option for "Medicare." Then select "Apply for Part D extra help." The process is very quick and easy. If you need assistance, I would love to be of service.

Answered by Kelsey Hentzen on May 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in KS & MO

Answered by Kelsey Hentzen Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Thurmond · Answer

Extra Help, also referred to as LIS (Low Income Subsidy), is one of several MSPs (Medicare Savings Programs) that are available to individuals that fall within certain income limits. 

If you qualify for Extra Help/LIS, you will receive help on the cost of your Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) premiums, copays for your medications, and the waiving of any Medicare Part D LEPs (Late Enrollment Penalties) you may currently be incurring.

Certain individuals will receive a letter from Social Security Administration informing them that they automatically qualify for Extra Help, where others will need to apply. 

You can view information, income limits and also apply if you fall in/under said income limits by following this link here: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs

Marcie Barnes · Answer

You can apply for prescription drug assistance at ssa.gov/prescription help.

You can also apply for further assistance through health and human services or hhs.gov for your county.

Carol Thompson · Answer

It is part of the Medicare Savings Programs. Also known as as LIS - low income subsidy. You apply to see if you qualify through your local DCF or an agent can help you apply.

Glenn Alterman · Answer

I can fill this out for you. Please call me at 800-891-5151 tomorrow Monday and I’ll see if you qualify

Robert Remin · Answer

If you qualify extra help lowers the cost of most drugs. Specific costs will depend on the drug. It also lowers the cost of the monthly drug plan premium if you have Part D perscription drug plan

Veronique Kasbarian · Answer

One can apply for extra help you would need to qualify by showing you are on low income in order to get the extra help and would not have to pay for Part D ( prescription drug plan)