Extra Help (Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy)
Help paying for your Medicare drugs
What it pays or provides
Extra Help can wipe out your Part D drug plan premium and deductible entirely, and it caps what you pay per prescription -- in 2026, no more than $5.10 for a generic drug or $12.65 for a brand-name drug covered by your plan.
Who qualifies
You need to be on Medicare with limited income and resources -- generally up to about 150% of the poverty level. You don't have to apply separately if you're already on Medicaid, get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, or QI) -- Social Security enrolls you in Extra Help automatically and mails you a confirmation letter.
Income limits by household size
| People in your household | Monthly income limit (about) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,000 |
| 2 | $2,710 |
| 3 | $3,420 |
| 4 | $4,130 |
| 5 | $4,840 |
| 6 | $5,550 |
| 7 | $6,260 |
| 8 | $6,970 |
Limits shown are approximately 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, rounded — the program’s own table is the final word.
How other benefits affect it
Extra Help pairs with a Medicare Savings Program -- if you already have one, you're covered for Extra Help automatically. If you don't have a Medicare Savings Program yet, applying for one can get you both at once.
How to apply
If you're not automatically enrolled, apply with the Social Security Administration -- online, by paper application at your local SSA office, or through your state Medicaid office. A decision letter usually arrives within three weeks of a completed application.
How long approval usually takes
A decision letter is usually mailed within three weeks of submitting a completed application.
Keeping it (renewal)
Once you're approved, you keep Extra Help through the end of that calendar year.
Programs that combine with it
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB / SLMB / QI) — help paying your Medicare costs
Sources
- NCOA: How to Get Extra Help Paying for Prescriptions
- NCOA: Qualifying for Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help
- Official rule text “"Extra Help" is a Medicare program to help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare drug coverage (Part D) premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs.” (checked July 5, 2026)
- Official rule text “Extra Help is generally available to people with income of up to 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) who also have limited resources.” (checked July 5, 2026)
- Official rule text “If you're enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or you qualify for one of the Medicare Savings Programs, you'll be enrolled in LIS/Extra Help automatically and receive a letter from CMS confirming your enrollment.” (checked July 19, 2026)