$491.66/month

Not having drug coverage, even for a short time, can create a serious financial burden for people who can barely afford basic living expenses. If you receive Medicare benefits, Part D (prescription drug coverage) helps pay for your medications. But it does not cover everything. You are still responsible for some out-of-pocket costs, such as premiums and deductibles. If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get help paying for your medications through Medicare Part D's Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), also called "Extra Help." Your Part D 'Extra Help' benefit is estimated to be worth about $5,900 per year. 

Apply for Medicare Part D LIS Now
Note: If you qualify for Extra Help and you have not yet enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, you may still get prescription drug coverage through the LImited Income Newly Eligible Transition (LINET) program.

What is Medicare Part D LIS or what people also call Extra Help?

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

As of 2024, most people who qualify for Extra Help will pay:

• No premiums for their drug plan
• No deductibles
• No more than $11.20 in 2024 for each brand-name drug the plan covers ($4.50 for generic)

Once your total out-of-pocket drug costs reach the catastrophic threshold ($8,000 in 2024), 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)

How do I know if I qualify for LIS/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 guidelines

To qualify for Part D Extra Help in 2024, your monthly income must be under $1,903 for an individual ($2,575 for a couple). Resources (such as stocks, bonds, and checking, savings, or retirement accounts) must be under $17,220 ($34,360 for a couple).

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.

What if I qualify for Extra Help, but don't have a Part D drug plan?

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 that 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 apply 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 Part D LIS/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.
• On the next screen, read the information provided and then click ‘Next.’
• Follow the prompts to complete your application. 

Apply Online Now

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 (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.

How can I get help with my application?

There are multiple 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 1-877-293-8875.