Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - Extra Help

Medicare Extra Help is a program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for Part D prescription drug costs. Also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), it can lower or take away your monthly premium and deductible and reduce what you pay for covered medicines.

Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $5,700 per year. If you have Medicare and have trouble affording your medicines, learn more about Extra Help and how it works.

Apply for Medicare's Part D Low Income Subsidy

Part D Extra Help Quick Facts

What is it?

A Medicare program that helps people pay for prescription medicines

Who qualifies?

People with Medicare who have limited income and savings

What does it cover?

Part D premiums, deductibles, and drug costs

Do I need to apply?

Yes, unless you qualify automatically (e.g., you receive SSI, you qualify for an MSP, or you're dual eligible for Medicaid/Medicare)

How do I apply?

Visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.

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What prescription drug costs does Extra Help cover?

Extra Help covers some Part D prescription drug plan costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments.

As of 2026, most people who qualify for Extra Help will pay:

• No premiums for their drug plan

• No deductibles

• No more than $12.65 in 2026 for each brand-name drug the plan covers ($5.10 for generic)

Once your total out-of-pocket drug costs reach the catastrophic threshold ($2,100 in 2026), you will have no copayments.

In addition to lower out-of-pocket costs, Part D LIS or Extra Help also offers:

• No penalty for late enrollment in Part D

• Eligibility for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) once during each of the first three quarters, and again during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7). An SEP allows you to enroll in a Part D plan or change your coverage.

• Possible auto-enrollment in a Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Who qualifies for Medicare Extra Help?

To be eligible for Extra Help, you must meet three basic requirements:

• Have Medicare Part A and/or Part B

• Live within the U.S. (50 states or Washington, D.C.)

• Meet income and resource rules

What are the income limits for Extra Help?

To qualify for Part D Extra Help in 2026, your monthly income must be less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), or $1,995 for an individual and $2,705 for a couple.

What is the resource limit for Medicare Extra Help?

Resources (such as stocks, bonds, and checking, savings, or retirement accounts) must be under $16,590 ($33,100 for a couple). If you expect to use some of your assets for burial expenses (up to $1,500 per person), the asset limit is $18,090 ($36,100 for a couple).

Do I automatically qualify for Extra Help if I have Medicaid?

Yes. You automatically qualify for Extra Help if you meet one of the following special conditions:

• You are enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare (“dual eligible”).

• You receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

• You are enrolled in (or qualify for) a Medicare Savings Program (MSP).

Does getting SNAP affect my eligibility for Part D Extra Help?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Part D Extra Help programs are run by different agencies and have separate eligibility rules. Generally, getting SNAP benefits should not affect your ability to qualify for Extra Help. That’s because monthly SNAP payments are not counted toward the Extra Help income limit.

Eligibility guidelines and program rules may change over time. Contact SSA or your local Social Security office to get the most accurate, up-to-date information about your situation.

Do I need a Part D plan to receive Extra Help?

Yes, you must be enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan to receive and use Extra Help benefits. If you have low income and qualify for Part D Extra Help, but you are not yet enrolled in a Part D plan, you may be able to get help from the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition (LINET) program.

What is LINET?

The Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition program, or LINET, is a Medicare program. It provides immediate prescription coverage for peopled enrolled in Medicare who qualify for Part D Extra Help and have no drug coverage.

Enrollment in LINET is temporary, usually for 1 to 2 months. This gives you time to choose a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan that best fits your needs. If you do not select a plan within this timeframe, Medicare will enroll you into a basic Part D plan.

What should I do before applying for Medicare Part D Extra Help?

If you have Medicare and you also get Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or you’re enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program, you do not need to apply for the Part D Extra Help program. You have already been enrolled.

If you meet the guidelines for the Extra Help program, you can apply directly with the Social Security Administration.

Before you start, gather some basic information for you and your spouse to make your application process easier:

• Payroll slips/stubs

• Bank account statements and tax returns

• Social Security cards

• Statements related to any pensions, veterans' benefits, annuities, and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits

• Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or 401(k) account balances

• Stocks, bonds, savings bonds, mutual funds, other investment statements

How do I apply for Medicare Extra Help?

There are a few different ways you can apply for Extra Help. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

Apply Online

The quickest and easiest way to apply for Part D Extra Help is online:

• Visit the Social Security website.

• Click ‘Apply Now’ at the bottom of the page.

• Follow the prompts to complete your application.

Apply on SSA's Website

Things to remember:

• All your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

• You may complete the application in English or Spanish.

• You do not have to complete the application all at once. After you fill in your name and address, you will get a Reentry Number. You can then return to work on your application at any time by entering this Reentry Number.

Apply by Phone

Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone. You can also request that a paper application be mailed to your home.

Apply in Person

Contact your local Social Security office to schedule an appointment to apply in person. Find an office near you.

*Note: Applying for Extra Help does not enroll you in a Medicare Part D plan. For information about Part D plans or how to enroll in one, call [1-800-633-4227](tel:%201-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048).*

What happens after I apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help?

After you apply for Extra Help, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will review your application and tell you if you are approved. If you are, you can select a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan that suits your needs. If you do not choose a specific plan, the government will choose one for you.

If you are not eligible for Extra Help, you can still enroll in a Part D plan.

Where can I get help applying for Extra Help?

There are a few ways to get help applying for Part D LIS/Extra Help.

You can:

• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

• Contact your local SSA office. Find an office near you.

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area.

• NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How can I check the status of my Extra Help application?

You can check your application status online through Social Security. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and say, “application status.” If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY 1-800-325-0778.

Do I have to reapply for Extra Help every year?

No. You usually don’t have to reapply for Extra Help every year. Medicare and Social Security will review your eligibility. If they need more information, they will send you a form. Be sure to complete and return it by the deadline, or your Extra Help benefits may end.

What happens if I lose Extra Help?

If you lose Extra Help, you may have to pay more for your Part D plan and prescription medicines. Medicare or Social Security will send you a letter explaining when your help will end. You can reapply at any time if your income or savings change.