Medicare Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy): How to Lower Your Prescription Costs:

If you’re worried about the cost of prescriptions on Medicare, there’s a program that can make a huge difference - and many people don’t even realize they qualify!

It’s called Extra Help, also known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS).

Let’s break it down in a simple, stress-free way.

What Is Extra Help (LIS)?

Extra Help is a federal program that helps cover the cost of:

1. Medicare Part D premiums

2. Deductibles

3. Copays for prescriptions

It’s administered by the Social Security Administration, and it can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars each year.

What Does Extra Help Cover?

If you qualify, Extra Help can:

• Lower or even eliminate your monthly drug plan premium

• Reduce your prescription copays (often to very low amounts)

• Eliminate or reduce your deductible

• Protect you from the Part D late enrollment penalty

Yes - even if you already have a penalty, Extra Help can wipe it out while you qualify.

Who Qualifies for Extra Help?

Eligibility is based on:

1. Income

2. Resources (like savings, not including your home or car)

While limits can change each year, many people qualify and don’t realize it.

If you have a limited income, it’s always worth checking!

Automatic Qualification (You May Already Have It!)

You may automatically qualify if you have:

• Medicaid

• A Medicare Savings Program

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If so, you typically don’t need to apply separately.

How To Apply

You can apply through the Social Security Administration in a few ways:

1. Online at www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help/

2. By phone at 1-800-772-1213

3. Or in person at your local Social Security Administration office

The application is straightforward and usually takes about 10-20 minutes.

Why This Matters So Much

I see this all the time - people struggling to afford medications when they actually qualify for help.

Extra Help can mean:

• Paying just a few dollars per prescription

• Being able to afford needed medications

• Less stress about monthly healthcare costs

Medicare Mom Tip

If you’re even close to the income limits, apply anyway!

A lot of people assume they won’t qualify - but end up getting approved.

Final Thoughts

Extra Help (LIS) is one of the most valuable programs available for Medicare beneficiaries - and one of the most underused.

If you or a loved one is concerned about prescription costs, this is absolutely something to look into.