Extra Help is a federal program that helps pay for some to most of the out-of-pocket Medicare prescription drugs. People also call Extra Help the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS).
If your monthly income is up to $1,903 in 2024 ($2,575 for couples) and your assets are below $17,220 ( $34,360 for couples), you may be eligible for Extra Help. Even if your income or assets are above the eligibility limits, you could still qualify for some lower levels of Extra Help.
If you are enrolled in Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), you automatically qualify for Extra Help. This is regardless of whether you meet Extra Help’s eligibility requirements.
You should receive a purple-colored notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) informing you that you do not need to apply for Extra Help.
If you are not in any one of the categories above, you will need to apply to receive the Extra Health benefit. Use one of these methods:
Apply online at https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help.
If you prefer, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone or request an application.
Another option is to visit your local Social Security office in person to apply.
Extra Help benefits:
The Extra Help program (also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy) offers the following benefits:
- Pays for your Part D premium up to a state-specific benchmark amount
- Lowers the cost of your prescription drugs
- Eliminates any Part D late enrollment penalty you may have incurred if you delayed Part D enrollment
Remember, Extra Help is not a replacement for Part D or a plan on its own. You must still have a Part D plan to receive Medicare prescription drug coverage and Extra Help. If you do not choose a plan, the system will automatically enroll you in one.
