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Extra Help (Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy)
Also known as: Extra Help · Part D Low-Income Subsidy · LIS
Extra Help (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy) pays Medicare drug coverage (Part D) premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for enrollees with limited income and resources. In 2026, people who qualify pay a $0 plan premium, a $0 deductible, and no more than $5.10 per generic or $12.65 per brand-name prescription, with $0 copays after total drug costs reach $2,100.
Administered by Social Security Administration
Key figures
| What | Amount | Verified |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 annual income limit — individual (household of 1) | $23,940/year | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| 2026 annual income limit — married couple living together (household of 2) | $32,460/year | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| 2026 annual income limit — individual (Alaska) (household of 1) | $29,925/year | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| 2026 annual income limit — married couple (Alaska) (household of 2) | $40,575/year | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| 2026 annual income limit — individual (Hawaii) (household of 1) | $27,540/year | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| 2026 annual income limit — married couple (Hawaii) (household of 2) | $37,335/year | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| 2026 resource limit — individual (includes burial-expense allowance) (household of 1) | $18,090 | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| 2026 resource limit — married couple living together (includes burial-expense allowance) (household of 2) | $36,100 | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| 2026 countable resource limit before the $1,500 burial-expense allowance — individual (household of 1) | $16,590 | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| 2026 countable resource limit before the $3,000 burial-expense allowance — married couple (household of 2) | $33,100 | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Medicare drug plan premium under Extra Help | $0/month | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Medicare drug plan deductible under Extra Help | $0/year | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Maximum copay per generic drug under Extra Help (2026) | $5.1 | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Maximum copay per brand-name drug under Extra Help (2026) | $12.65 | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Copay after total drug costs reach $2,100 in 2026 | $0 | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Maximum copay per covered drug for enrollees with full Medicaid who are in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program (2026) | $4.9 | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Subsidy level — all Extra Help beneficiaries receive the full (100% premium) subsidy; partial subsidy tiers ended | 100% percent of premium subsidy | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
Who can apply
People with Medicare Part A, Part B, or both may apply for Extra Help before or after enrolling in a Part D plan. People who receive full Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or help with the Part B premium through a Medicare Savings Program generally receive Extra Help automatically and do not need to file this application.
Who the program serves
Extra Help lowers Part D premiums, deductibles, and prescription copayments for Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources. Social Security decides eligibility using the applicant's income and countable resources; a home, vehicles, personal possessions, life insurance, burial plots, irrevocable burial contracts, and recent Social Security or SSI back payments are not counted as resources.
What you may need to provide
Social Security recommends gathering bank statements and tax returns; IRA or 401(k) balances; and statements for pensions, Veterans' benefits, annuities, and Railroad Retirement Board benefits for you and a spouse. The application asks for financial information but does not require you to upload every document unless Social Security later requests proof.
How applications are evaluated
You may apply online or schedule a phone appointment with Social Security. SSA reviews the application and sends a written decision. Filing the Extra Help application also starts the Medicare Savings Program application process with your state unless you opt out. Keep the notice and follow any deadline if SSA or your state requests more information.
Who may qualify
- Must have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). Extra Help applies to Medicare drug coverage (Part D); you can apply before or after enrolling in a Part D plan. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- Must live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Extra Help is not available in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa; those areas have separate assistance programs through their Medicaid offices. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- Income (including a living-with spouse's income) must be less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2026 that is $23,940 for an individual and $32,460 for a married couple in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. (higher limits apply in Alaska and Hawaii). Income limits may still be met at higher income if you support other family members who live with you. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- Combined savings, investments, and real estate (other than your primary residence) must not exceed $18,090 for a single person or $36,100 for a married couple living together in 2026. Your home, vehicles, personal possessions, life insurance, burial plots, irrevocable burial contracts, and Social Security/SSI back payments do not count. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- You get Extra Help automatically if you have full-benefit Medicaid coverage, get help from your state paying Part B premiums through a Medicare Savings Program, or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Medicare mails a notice and enrolls you in a drug plan if you don't have one. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
Eligibility rules are set by the administering agency and can change — the linked sources are authoritative, this summary is not a determination.
How to apply — official route
Official application information →
Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Apply online at ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help, by phone appointment with Social Security, or at a local Social Security office. Filing the Extra Help application also starts a Medicare Savings Program application with your state unless you opt out on the form. Free application help is available from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). People who have Medicare plus SSI or Medicaid should not apply — they receive Extra Help automatically.
Applying for government benefits is free. No legitimate program charges a fee to apply, and no one can guarantee you'll be approved.
Application toolkit · verified 2026-07-28
Get ready to apply for Extra Help
SSA asks for financial information for you and your spouse. Use current records and do not delay applying if you need help locating one.
Common documents and information
Check off items as you gather them. Do not send original records unless the agency specifically tells you to.
What happens after you apply
- Save the confirmation and a copy of the application. Extra Help can be requested before or after enrolling in a Part D plan.
- Respond if SSA asks for more financial information.
- SSA sends a letter explaining its decision. Keep it with your Medicare and prescription-plan records.
- If approved, check that your Part D plan reflects the lower costs. If you disagree with the decision or the plan is not applying the help, use the contacts and review instructions in the notice.
Applying is free. CalculateBenefits does not receive or submit your application.
Local rules: People with Medicare and certain Medicaid or SSI coverage may receive Extra Help automatically and should follow Medicare's notice rather than filing a duplicate application.
Step-by-step guides
Program update alerts
Email alerts for when this program's amounts or income limits change are coming soon.
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