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

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.

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

It is through Social Security & also called Low Income Subsidy, or Extra Help. Please call Social Security at 18007721213 or call a Broker. I/We have assisted Medicare Beneficiaries in more than 1 State to apply. You can also go to www.socialsecurity.gov 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.

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

Luke Rhoads · Answer

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.

Answered by Luke Rhoads on July 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Luke Rhoads Medicare Insurance Agent

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

Tom Kowalczyk · Answer

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.

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

Gary Henderson · Answer

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

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.

Todd Bostic · Answer

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.

Answered by Todd Bostic on July 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 12 other states

Answered by Todd Bostic Medicare Insurance Agent

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

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

Jeremy Watson · Answer

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.

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)

Chris Neal · Answer

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.