If your income and resources are limited, you may qualify for a federal program that can virtually eliminate your prescription drug costs under Medicare. It's called Extra Help — also known as the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) — and it's one of the most valuable Medicare benefits that millions of eligible seniors never claim.
What Extra Help Covers
Extra Help is a federal subsidy that helps pay for Medicare Part D (prescription drug) costs. Depending on your income level, it can cover:
- All or part of your Part D monthly premium
- All or part of your Part D annual deductible (up to $590 in 2026)
- Reduced copays for covered medications — as low as $4.50 for generics and $11.20 for brand-name drugs in 2026
- No coverage gap (donut hole) — you're protected year-round
Do You Qualify? 2026 Income and Resource Limits
To qualify for full Extra Help in 2026, your income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level:
- Single person: Income below approximately $20,385/year
- Married couple: Income below approximately $27,465/year
Partial Extra Help is available for incomes up to 150% FPL (approximately $22,590 single / $30,660 couple).
Many resources are NOT counted toward your limit — including your home, one car, personal belongings, life insurance with cash value under $1,500, and burial funds. Apply even if you're not sure. The application is free and takes about 30 minutes.
How to Apply — Three Ways
Option 1 — Online (fastest): Go to ssa.gov/extrahelp and complete the online application. Takes about 30 minutes.
Option 2 — By phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). Available Monday–Friday, 8am–7pm.
Option 3 — In person: Visit your local Social Security office. Find yours at ssa.gov/locator.
Who Gets Automatically Enrolled
You may be automatically enrolled in Extra Help (and notified by mail) if you:
- Receive full Medicaid benefits
- Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible)
If you receive an auto-enrollment notice, review it carefully. You'll be placed in a benchmark Part D plan — you can keep it or switch to any other plan during a Special Enrollment Period.
What Happens After You're Approved
Once approved, Social Security notifies Medicare, which notifies your Part D plan. Your lower copays and eliminated deductible take effect on the first day of the month after approval (or retroactively in some cases). You receive a letter confirming your Extra Help status and copay levels.
Extra Help approval lasts one year and must be renewed annually — Social Security will send a renewal form each fall.
- Apply at ssa.gov/extrahelp even if you're unsure you qualify
- Gather your income information (Social Security award letter, pension statements) before applying
- List only countable resources — your home and car are NOT counted
- After approval, use Medicare.gov Plan Finder to find the best Part D plan for your medications under Extra Help
- Renew annually when Social Security sends your renewal form each fall
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicare Extra Help?
Medicare Extra Help, also called the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), is a federal program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. It can cover premiums, deductibles, and reduce copays to as little as $4.50 for generics in 2026.
How much income can you have to qualify for Medicare Extra Help?
To qualify for full Extra Help in 2026, income must be below approximately $20,385 per year for a single person or $27,465 for a married couple. Partial Extra Help is available for incomes up to $22,590 single or $30,660 married. Your home, car, and personal belongings do not count as resources.
How do I apply for Medicare Extra Help?
Apply online at ssa.gov/extrahelp, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The application takes about 30 minutes and is completely free. If approved, benefits take effect the first of the month after approval.
How much can Medicare Extra Help save me?
Medicare Extra Help can save eligible seniors up to $5,300 per year in Part D costs in 2026. This includes eliminating or reducing your Part D monthly premium, waiving the annual deductible (up to $590), and reducing copays to $4.50 for generic drugs and $11.20 for brand-name drugs.
Does Medicare Extra Help renew automatically?
If you receive Medicaid, SSI, or are dual-eligible, your Extra Help status is automatically renewed. Otherwise, Social Security sends a renewal form each fall that you must complete. If you don't return the renewal form, your Extra Help may end January 1 of the following year.