Medicare Extra Help: The Part D Low-Income Subsidy
If you have limited income, a federal program called Extra Help can pay almost all of your Medicare prescription drug costs. This hub explains who qualifies in 2026, exactly what Extra Help covers, how to apply for free, and how it works alongside Medicare Savings Programs.
What Extra Help is
Extra Help — officially the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) — is a federal benefit that covers most of the cost of Medicare drug coverage: your Part D premium, the deductible, and the copays on your medications. Thanks to recent changes, there is now a single level of full Extra Help for everyone who qualifies (the old partial subsidy was eliminated in 2024).
Who qualifies
Eligibility is based on income and resources. In 2025, full Extra Help is available up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level — roughly $23,475/year for a single person and $31,725/year for a married couple, with resource limits of $17,600 and $35,130. You automatically qualify if you have Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a Medicare Savings Program. See the full eligibility details.
What it covers
With full Extra Help you generally pay $0 for your Part D premium (on benchmark plans) and deductible, and only small capped copays — about $4.9 for generics and $12.15for brand-name drugs in 2025. There is no coverage gap (“donut hole”) for people with Extra Help. More on the what-it-covers page.
How to apply
Applying is free and takes about 10–30 minutes through the Social Security Administration — online, by phone, or on paper. You don’t need to be enrolled in a Part D plan first. See how to apply, step by step.
Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs
Extra Help (drug costs) and Medicare Savings Programs (Part B premium and more) are separate but connected — qualifying for one often opens the other. If your income is limited, it’s worth checking both.
Explore the Extra Help hub
The 2025 income and resource limits, and who automatically qualifies.
Apply free through Social Security — online, by phone, or on paper.
Premiums, deductible, copays, and the end of the coverage gap.
How Extra Help differs from QMB, SLMB, and QI programs.
Why the limits are the same in every state — and what does differ.
For related reading, see our guide to Medicare Extra Help and the Low-Income Subsidy. A licensed advisor can help you check eligibility and apply at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicare Extra Help?
Extra Help (also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy, or LIS) is a federal program that pays most of the cost of Medicare prescription drug coverage — premiums, the deductible, and copays — for people with limited income and resources.
What are the income limits for Extra Help in 2025?
In 2025, full Extra Help is available up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level — about $23,475 per year for a single person and $31,725 for a married couple, with resource limits of $17,600 and $35,130. These figures update each year.
How much does Extra Help save me?
With full Extra Help you typically pay $0 for your Part D premium (on benchmark plans) and deductible, and only small capped copays for medications. It can save thousands of dollars a year.
Is Extra Help the same as a Medicare Savings Program?
No. Extra Help is a federal program for Part D drug costs. Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) are state-run and help pay Part B premiums and other costs — but qualifying for an MSP automatically qualifies you for Extra Help.
Talk to a Licensed Medicare Advisor
Get a free, no-obligation review of your Medicare options from a licensed advisor.
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 2026-06-11 by Lynsey Brennan, Licensed Medicare Advisor (FL #G007269).