Medicare Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy).
Extra Help — formally the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) — is a federal program that helps eligible Medicare beneficiaries pay for Part D prescription drug costs. Depending on income and resources, Extra Help can cover most or all of the Part D premium, deductible, and copays.
Who qualifies
Eligibility is based on income and resource limits set annually by the Social Security Administration. Current limits:
- Income limit: based on 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (varies by household size)
- Resource limit: applied separately, with limits set annually
If you qualify for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), you generally automatically qualify for Extra Help — no separate application is needed.
What Extra Help covers
Extra Help reduces or eliminates:
- Your Part D monthly premium (up to the benchmark)
- Your annual Part D deductible
- Copays for covered prescriptions
Extra Help also creates a Special Enrollment Period allowing plan changes at least once per quarter during the first three quarters of the year.
How to apply
You can apply for Extra Help through:
- The Social Security Administration (online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person)
- Your state’s Medicaid office (Medicaid recipients are typically auto-enrolled)
How a licensed agent helps
A licensed El-Mag agent helps determine likely eligibility, identifies which Part D or Medicare Advantage plans pair best with Extra Help benefits, and guides the application process.
Talk to a licensed agent about Extra Help.