Medicare help by situation
Medicare Extra Help and Savings Programs: Lower Your Costs in 2026
Two of the most valuable Medicare programs are also the most overlooked: Extra Help (the Low-Income Subsidy) and the Medicare Savings Programs. Extra Help can cover most of your Part D drug costs, and Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium and more. The income and asset limits are higher than most people assume — millions who qualify never apply simply because they don’t know these programs exist.
Who qualifies for Medicare Extra Help in 2026?
Extra Help (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy) is available to people with limited income and resources, and the limits are higher than many expect. People who qualify pay greatly reduced — sometimes $0 — Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays. You may qualify automatically if you have Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or a Medicare Savings Program.
- Extra Help lowers Part D premiums, deductibles, and prescription copays.
- Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium and cost-sharing.
- Many people qualify but never apply — it’s worth checking even if you’re unsure.
Key Takeaways
- Extra Help can cover most or all of your Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays.
- Income and asset limits are higher than most people assume — check before assuming you don’t qualify.
- Medicare Savings Programs are separate and can pay your Part B premium.
- Having Medicaid, SSI, or an MSP usually qualifies you for Extra Help automatically.
The costly mistakes to avoid
Where people in this situation lose the most money.
Not knowing they qualify
The limits for Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs are higher than most people expect, so many who are eligible never apply — leaving thousands of dollars of help on the table each year.
Dual-eligible confusion
People who have both Medicare and Medicaid (“dual eligibles”) often don’t realize they automatically get Extra Help and may qualify for plans built specifically for them (D-SNPs).
Income and asset limits misunderstood
Not all income and assets count the same way. People rule themselves out based on a quick gut check when the actual rules — and disregards — might still make them eligible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Medicare Extra Help pay for?
Extra Help — also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) — lowers or eliminates your Part D premium and deductible and reduces your prescription copays to small fixed amounts. People who qualify can save thousands of dollars a year on medications, and many pay little to nothing for covered drugs.
What are the income limits for Extra Help?
The income and asset limits are set annually and are higher than most people assume — and not all income or resources count toward them. Because the rules include certain disregards, it’s worth applying or getting help to check even if you think your income is slightly too high.
What is the difference between Extra Help and a Medicare Savings Program?
Extra Help reduces your Part D prescription drug costs. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-run programs that help pay your Part B premium and, depending on the program, your deductibles and coinsurance. They are separate programs, but qualifying for an MSP automatically qualifies you for Extra Help.
How do I apply for Extra Help?
You can apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration online, by phone, or in person — there is no cost to apply. If you have Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or a Medicare Savings Program, you generally get Extra Help automatically without a separate application.
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Get My Free ReviewThis information is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Medicare rules, premiums, and income thresholds change annually — confirm current figures with Medicare.gov, the Social Security Administration, or a licensed advisor. HealthPlan Connect is not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program or any government agency. Last reviewed 2026-06-12 by Lynsey Brennan, Licensed Medicare Advisor (FL License #G007269).