Extra Help program for people on Medicare

A little extra help can go a long way

The Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) or Extra Help program, is a federal program that helps people on Medicare drug plans with limited income and assets pay for the monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and copays related to their prescription medications.

While the program may not cover your out-of-pocket costs entirely, enrolling can significantly reduce what you pay for your medications.

Watch our video explaining the Extra Help program

Extra Help program benefits

Extra Help covers almost all costs for the people who are eligible. People with Medicare who also qualify for their state’s Medicaid program are automatically enrolled.

In 2027, people who qualify for Extra Help will pay:

• No plan deductible
• No premiums for Part D drug plans
• No more than $14.40 for each brand-name drug the plan covers, and $5.80 for generic medications.

Find out if you qualify

Some people get Part D Extra Help automatically. If you fall into one of the categories below, you do not need to apply for Extra Help; you will receive a letter about Extra Help from Medicare:  

• You’re enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare (“dual eligible”). 
• You receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 
• You qualify for a Medicare Savings Program.  

Eligibility

To qualify for Extra Help, your income generally must be less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Your total resources, sometimes called assets, must also be within the limit set by Medicare.

The income and resource limits change each year. The 2027 limits have not yet been released. Check Medicare.gov for the current income and resource limits.

Find out if you might be eligible for benefits using our tool:

DISCLAIMER: This quiz does not replace the official enrollment process. Those that may be eligible for Extra Help will need to apply through the Social Security Administration. Eligibility does not guarantee enrollment into the program.

How to apply

Applying for this program will require you to gather a variety of financial 
documents and take some time, but the application is free. 

What you need

When you fill out the application for the Extra Help program, the Social Security Administration will request information about your income and resources, as well as for the income and resources of your spouse if you are married and living together.

You can start the online application process, save your work, and finish it another time. Family members, caregivers, and other third parties can help you fill out the Extra Help application.

To answer these questions you’ll have to collect many documents and consider what things you own alone, with your spouse, or with someone else.

While this may be overwhelming, the program helps you save a lot of money.
We’ve included a helpful checklist that you can use, print out, or email to yourself
below to help you get organized.

Resources you can use:

When to apply

You can apply to the Extra Help program once each year, at any time.

Where to apply

• Visit Medicare.gov to check your eligibility. From this page, you can follow their links to apply online through SSA.
• You can enroll in the Extra Help program directly by visiting the SSA Extra Help website.
• Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to request a form SSA-1020 to apply for Extra Help.
• Visit ssa.gov/locator to get the telephone number for your local Social Security office.

If you need help with your application

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free help to people with Medicare and their families, including help with applying to the Extra Help program. You can call toll-free 877-839-2675 or visit the SHIP website.

After applying

You won’t be asked for proof to support the information you provide in your Extra Help program application. However, the information will be compared with data from other government agencies to make sure the numbers match. After you apply, the Social Security Administration will review your application and will send you a letter in six weeks to let you know if you qualify for Extra Help.

How to stay enrolled

You have to continue to meet eligibility requirements to stay enrolled in the Extra Help program each year. Learn more about keeping Extra Help from year to year.

Other ways to lower out-of-pocket prescription costs

Tips for saving money on prescription medications

If you’re worried about the cost of your prescription medications, help may be available. Different options and resources are available to help reduce out-of-pocket prescription medication costs.