Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
A federal program that can bring prescription costs down to a few dollars.
Extra Help, also called the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), helps people with limited income and resources pay for Part D. It can cover your drug plan premium (up to a set amount) and deductible, and caps what you pay for each prescription.
Who qualifies in 2026
Since 2024, full Extra Help has been available up to 150% of the federal poverty level; the old partial-subsidy tier ended. Limits can be higher if you support other family members or live in Alaska or Hawaii.
- Yearly income up to $23,940 (individual) or $32,460 (married couple).
- Resources up to $18,090 (individual) or $36,100 (couple), which includes an allowance for burial expenses.
What it pays
- Your Part D premium, up to a benchmark amount (choose a benchmark plan and it's usually $0).
- Your Part D deductible.
- Copays of no more than $5.10 for generics and $12.65 for brand-name drugs in 2026 ($5.80 and $14.40 in 2027).
- No Part D late enrollment penalty.
Automatic qualification
You get Extra Help automatically if you have full Medicaid, are in a Medicare Savings Program, or get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You'll get a purple letter from Medicare confirming it.
How to apply
Apply online, by phone or at an office through Social Security. It's free, and applying for Extra Help can also start an application for a Medicare Savings Program in your state.
Common questions
Yes. Since 2025 you can switch once a month to a standalone Part D plan, in addition to the usual enrollment periods.
Yes. Extra Help pays toward a Part D plan's costs. If you don't pick one, Medicare may enroll you in one.
Want help with your own choices?
Every state runs a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained counselors who give free, unbiased Medicare help and do not sell plans. Find yours on our Medicare by state pages, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Planning the rest of your coverage in retirement? We can help with life insurance later in life and final expense coverage.
Sources
- Help with drug costs, Medicare.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
- CY 2027 Rate Announcement, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Checked September 29, 2026.
- CY 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule (CMS-4205-F) fact sheet, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Checked September 29, 2026.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Quote My Policy does not sell Medicare plans on this site. For plan-specific help, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.