Medicare Extra Help

Medicare Extra Help, also called the Low-Income Subsidy or LIS, is a Medicare program that helps people with limited income and resources pay Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. It can reduce plan premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and other covered drug costs.

Some people receive Extra Help automatically. Others need to apply through Social Security.

Who gets Extra Help automatically?

You generally receive Extra Help automatically if you have:

• full-benefit Medicaid;
• help from your state paying your Part B premium through a Medicare Savings Program; or
• Supplemental Security Income from Social Security.

Medicare sends a notice explaining your Extra Help status and drug-plan information.

2026 Extra Help income and resource limits

For 2026, Medicare lists the following general income and resource limits:

These limits can change each year. Higher income limits can apply in some circumstances, including certain situations involving Alaska, Hawaii, work income, or dependent family members.

Not every asset counts as a resource. Use the current Medicare and Social Security rules rather than assuming all property is included.

What Extra Help can reduce

Extra Help can help with Medicare Part D:

• monthly plan premiums;
• deductibles;
• copayments;
• coinsurance; and
• other eligible drug costs.

While you have Extra Help, you do not pay a Part D late-enrollment penalty.

Do I need a Part D plan?

Extra Help works with Medicare drug coverage. If you qualify and do not already have a Medicare drug plan, Medicare may automatically enroll you in one so you can use the assistance.

You can review the plan Medicare assigns and choose a different Medicare drug plan if another available plan better fits your prescriptions and pharmacies.

How to apply for Extra Help

If you do not qualify automatically, you can apply through Social Security.

Social Security may ask for information about your income and resources, including financial accounts, retirement accounts, pensions, and certain other benefits.

You can apply for Extra Help before or after enrolling in Part D.

Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs

Extra Help focuses on prescription drug costs. Medicare Savings Programs focus on eligible Medicare Part A and Part B costs.

When you apply for Extra Help through Social Security, information can also be sent to your state to begin the Medicare Savings Program application process unless you decline that step.

Qualifying for certain Medicare Savings Programs also results in automatic Extra Help eligibility.

Extra Help and Medicaid

People with full-benefit Medicaid automatically qualify for Extra Help.

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, your total drug costs and plan options can depend on your Medicaid status, Extra Help status, plan, pharmacy, and prescriptions.

Can you change drug plans if you get Extra Help?

People with Medicaid or Extra Help may have additional opportunities to change Medicare drug coverage. The timing and choices depend on current Medicare enrollment rules and your individual situation.

Check the current Medicare rules before changing plans.

Extra Help does not replace a plan review

Even with Extra Help, confirm that:

• your drugs are on the plan’s formulary;
• your pharmacy participates in the plan;
• prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limits are manageable; and
• the plan is available in your service area.

Get help with Part D and Extra Help

Wise Owl Insurance Group can help you understand Medicare drug-plan information and how Extra Help may affect the costs you compare. Eligibility for Extra Help is determined by the government, not by Wise Owl.

Wise Owl Insurance Group is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For official Extra Help eligibility and applications, use Medicare.gov and SSA.gov.

Last reviewed: September 22, 2026.