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?
Answered by 59 licensed agents
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.
The "Extra Help" program, also known as the Low-Income Subsidy, is a federal program to help people with Medicare Part D pay for prescription drug costs like premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Eligibility is based on your income and financial resources, such as savings and assets. You can apply online at ssa.gov/extrahelp or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free counseling and help with the application.
Eligibility requirements (for 2025)
Income: Your annual income must be below \(23,475\) for an individual or \(31,725\) for a married couple living together. These limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
Resources: Your total resources (like bank accounts, stocks, and bonds) must be at or below \(17,600\) for an individual or \(35,130\) for a married couple.
Automatic qualification: You automatically qualify if you are enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare ("dual-eligible") or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
How to apply
Online: The quickest way is to apply online through the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov/extrahelp.
Through SHIP: You can also contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased counseling and help with the application process
Extra help is a program through Social Security to help those with a qualifying income pay for their medications. There is an income limit to qualify so it is not based on amount of medications or cost.
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, or call your local SS office. Walk in traffic is not recommended.
Extra Help is a program available by contacting Social Security. If you meet specific income and resource requirements, you may be approved for lower prescription deductibles and copays.
Medicare's "Extra Help" program, also known as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy, provides financial assistance for Medicare prescription drug costs (Part D) to people with limited income and resources. It helps pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and copayments, with costs in 2025 capped at $0 premium, $0 deductible, and copayments of up to $4.90 for generic drugs and $12.15 for brand-name drugs.
If you haven't checked to see if you qualify for the extra help, look into it!
In fact, we assess and evaluate this option with each of our clients as part of the routine new client intake and ongoing annually during the annual review.
If you need help or want more information you can reach out to a local, trusted, Medicare agent, local SHIP office, contact Medicare.gov, and discuss with your current insurance carriers.
Its a federal program designed to assist with lowering the costs for drugs for Medicare Beneficiaries. Certain requirements must be met relating to income and assets
The extra help program is a program that assist Medicare beneficiaries with their drug cost. You must qualify based on income. Each state has income limits. So it is best to check with social security, and check the income limits based in your state. If qualified you prescription drug could be as low as $0 to a maximum of $12.40 depending on where you live.
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.
The Extra Help program, officially known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) for Medicare Part D, helps individuals with limited income and resources afford prescription drug costs. It can reduce or eliminate drug costs, help with premiums, and cover costs above copayments. To qualify you must be below 150% the federal poverty level, and have assets less than about $17k. Some people are automatically enrolled if they are on other government programs like medicaid.
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.
Extra Help, also know as Low Income Subsidy is a program from Social Security that helps eligible individuals with the cost of there Medications. It works with any Medicare Prescription drug plan( stand alone plans and Medicare Advantage plans with Prescription Drug coverage). To qualify in 2025 your income must be below $1,903 a month and you must have less than $9.660 in countable assets.
If you qualify you will not pay more than $4.90 for any covered Generic medication or $12.15 for any covered Brand medication. The Extra Help program will cover all cost above these copays. In addition the Extra Help program may cover a portion of your plans monthly premium.
Hello and thank you for our question… Medicare Low Income Subsidy or LIS is also known as Extra Help. This program is meant for individuals or couple who have incomes below a given threshold (which amount is modified each year). In 2025 for individuals that amount is: $23,725 and for a Married couple the amount is $31,725.
The "Extra Help" program, officially called the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), helps people with limited income and resources pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. It can significantly lower or eliminate expenses for monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments or coinsurance, with eligible individuals paying very low costs for their medications.
You may qualify if your income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level and your resources (like bank accounts or stocks) are below a certain limit, but some people are automatically enrolled. You can apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website at www.ssa.gov/extrahelp, by visiting a local Social Security office, or by getting help from your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
If any of these options to enroll seem daunting, I'm happy to get on the phone and walk anyone through the steps as we do it together online or over the phone (I don't have to be your designated agent).
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
Extra Help is a program from Social Security that does several things if you qualify: 1) it may help pay your Part D premium, 2) it may lower/eliminate your Part D penalty if you have one, and 3) it may set your prescription copays at low amounts.
In general, a single person must have around $1500 or less in income with very limited asses such as savings or retirement funds. If you think you qualify, the Social Security department can help you apply for Extra Help.
The Medicare Extra Help Program, also called LIS, is a program that can help to reduce prescription drug costs. If you are on Medicaid through the state, you will be automatically enrolled in the Extra Help program. If not, you will need to apply, which is a pretty simple application. There are income and asset limits to be able to qualify. In 2025 the annual income limit is $23,475 for an individual and $31,275 for married couples. If you need help applying for the program, we are happy to assist. You can contact us directly.
It is through Social Security & also called Low Income Subsidy, or Extra Help. Please contact Social Security. I/We have assisted Medicare Beneficiaries in more than 1 State to apply. You can also go to their website to apply.
You could call your Insurance Company on your Part D Policy & get information on the Monthly Payment Plan that is new in 2025. Thank you.
Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO and PFFS) organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Yes there is extra help based off your income. It’s called the Medicare Savings Program. An agent can help you apply or you can do so through your local Medicaid office. There are different level of help based off your income.
Extra Help With Prescription Drugs is an income based prescription reduction cost plan from the federal government. If you fall into the income qualifications and asset qualification, the plan provides for lower prescription copays and also pays down the monthly premium for a drug plan or even some Medicare advantage plans.
On your browser in the search field type is Extra Help With Prescription Drugs. An information and application should pop up. Fill it in and submit. in a few weeks they will send you a determination.
What is Extra Help for Medicare? The Medicare Extra Help program assists people who have limited income and resources to pay for costs with Medicare Part D. It can help with paying the premium, the deductibles, and the copayments. In order to qualify, you typically have to have income under $24,000 per year and assets under $18,000. Some people get it automatically, but you can always apply through the Social Security Administration.
To qualify for the " Extra Help" program you must have Medicare Part A and/or B, live in one of the 50 States or DC, and have limited household income. If you already have Full Medicaid, you likely are qualified. You can check with your local Social Security office or Medicaid office if you have questions.
Extra Help is a Medicare program to help people with limited income and resources lower their Medicare Part D prescription drug costs, such as premiums, deductibles, and copayments. If you qualify, Medicare pays for most of your drug costs, and you are exempt from the Part D late enrollment penalty. You can apply online through the Social Security Administration website, by calling the Social Security Administration, or with the help of your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
The Extra Help program, also known as the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), is a federal assistance program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for their Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. If you qualify, Extra Help can significantly lower your monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and copayments for prescription medications.
Eligibility is based on your income and assets, and you can apply through the Social Security Administration. Many individuals find this program valuable because it ensures access to needed medications while minimizing financial strain. If you believe you may qualify, consider contacting Social Security or visiting their website for an application.
For additional details regarding your rights as a Medicare member, you may review the official Member Rights documentation.
Extra help is a federal program that helps folks with limited income and resources pay for Part D premiums, deductibles and co-payments. Essentially it will help reduce the overall cost of most medications. This program is offered on an income limit basis.
The Extra Help program helps with the cost of your prescription drugs, like deductibles and copays. You can apply for Extra Help any time before or after you enroll in Part D. Please contact me and I can go over the particulars of the help.
Extra Help is a Social Security program that helps low income, low asset individuals with their out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. If you qualify, this program reduces your prescription copays, especially brand name medications. Plus, it will subsidize your prescription drug monthly premium whether you have a standalone drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.
The Low Income Subsidy (LIS) extra help Medicare program is to help Medicare beneficiaries pay monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to the Medicare Part D. An individual must have an annual income below $23,475.00 and resources must be less than $17,60.00. The annual income for a married couple must be below $31,725.00 and resources less than $35,130.00. Active enrollment in a Medicare Prescription Drug plan is required to get this benefit.
Extra Help is a Medicare program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for their Medicare Part D prescription drug plan costs, like premiums, deductibles, and copayments. To qualify, you must have Medicare drug coverage and meet certain income and resource limits. You can apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
Contact social security. They can tell you about the extra help program and determine if you qualify. They can pay up to 75% of your medication cost and your monthly premium
The Extra Help Program also know as Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) is a federal program that helps people with limited income pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, which includes costs like premiums, deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance. You automatically qualify if you have Full Medicaid coverage, receive SSI Payments, or qualify for a Medicare Savings Program.
You can apply online at SSA.gov or call their official number.
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.
The "Extra Help" program, also known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), is a Medicare program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for their Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. If you qualify, it can significantly reduce or even eliminate your drug costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
You can apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
You can apply online at the Social Security website, or you can get a paper application from your local SSA office.
You can also get help with the application process from your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
You can apply for Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) at the same time.
MSP's can provide additional assistance with other Medicare costs.
Extra help is for people that are on a low income or receiving assistance from the state. Sometimes it’s only based on your income because even though your income is low, it’s not low enough for extra help for food, but it can be extra help for medicine.
I highly suggest you go talk to your local social security office or a local community resource to see what is available in your community. If you have a Chronic illness as specified by CMS then you may qualify for a C-SNP which could also help with lower costs.
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
In order to be able to answer this question more thoroughly for you, I would have to sit down and review what programs you're participating in currently. There are several different options for you; however, the extra help program is available to those who make less than a certain dollar amount and helps you with only paying a small amount towards your medications, but there are other programs available as well. You can reach out to me anytime, and I can review what you have and see if there's something better out there for you that can help you manage these situations. Contact me. I am always happy to help at no cost to you!
The Extra Help program is a federal initiative designed to assist people with limited income and resources in paying for their prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D. This program can significantly reduce the expenses related to medications for those who qualify.
The Extra Help program is a prescription help program offered through Social Security. It is income and asset based, but has higher thresholds than the Medicare Savings Program.
Those individuals who qualify for Extra Help have their Part D premiums paid for and their cost of medications greatly reduced.
You can find a link through Medicare.gov under the Basics tab. Give to Medicare Costs and click the "Get help with costs" link. Scroll down until you see the "apply for Extra help" link.
Low income subsistence is available to those of limited or certain health conditions. To see if you qualify it is a service that any broker should offer at no cost
Extra Help or LIS is when your income is above the Medicaid income level for full healthcare but lower than the "standard" income. In AZ it is called AHCCCS. I always ask those I am working with about their income as every penny helps and when they are in between the income levels, I love that they can get Extra Help with their medication costs, as well as having their Medicare Part B monthly premium paid for through Medicaid (AHCCCS in AZ). robin
The Extra Help program is a Medicare program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for their Part D prescription drug costs. It can lower or even cover your monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayments, making your medications much more affordable.
You can apply through the Social Security Administration, and if you qualify, the help is automatic every year — so it’s worth checking to see if you’re eligible, especially if you’re on a fixed income.
The Extra Help program is also known as Low-Income Subsidy (LIS). It helps people with limited income and resources pay for their prescription drug deductibles, copays, and monthly premiums.
The Extra Help Program is a federal assistance program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments. If you qualify, it can significantly reduce your medication expenses. You can apply through the Social Security Administration to see if you're eligible.
The Extra Help program, also known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), is a federal initiative designed to assist Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources in paying for their Part D prescription drug costs. If you qualify, this program can significantly reduce or even eliminate your monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments for covered medications. Eligibility is generally based on your annual income and the value of your assets (like savings and investments), though your primary home and car are typically excluded from this calculation. You can apply directly through the Social Security Administration to see if you qualify for these savings.
The Medicare “Extra Help” program is a federal assistance program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for their Medicare Part D prescription drug costs.
If you qualify, Extra Help can significantly reduce what you pay for medications. It may lower or eliminate your monthly Part D premium, remove your deductible, and reduce your copays for prescriptions. In many cases, you’ll pay only a small, fixed amount per medication.
Some people also qualify for automatic Extra Help if they receive Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or assistance from a Medicare Savings Program. Others may need to apply through the Social Security Administration.
One of the biggest advantages of Extra Help is that it also removes the late enrollment penalty for Part D and makes it easier to switch drug plans if your medications change.
In short, Extra Help is designed to take the pressure off your medication costs and make prescription coverage much more affordable and predictable throughout the year.
If you think you may qualify, it’s worth reviewing your income and resources or speaking with a licensed Medicare agent who can help you check eligibility and apply.
The Extra Help program is financial assistance for people with Medicare with low or limited income. It helps cover for Part D prescription costs such as premiums, deductibles, and copays, making your medications much more affordable.
Extra Help is a program through Social Security that helps people on a fixed income pay less for their Medicare Part D prescriptions. If you qualify, it can lower your drug copays and sometimes even reduce or eliminate your Part D premium. A lot of people qualify without realizing it, so it’s definitely worth looking into.
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)
There are plan options that coordinate to help find the best financial options for those on a fixed income. Feel free to reach out if you would like more information.
Extra help can help pay monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments related to a prescription drug plan. Your resources must be limited to $17,600 for a person or $35,130 for a married couple living together.
