When you’re on Medicare and struggling to pay for prescriptions, Medicare Extra Help, a federal program that lowers the cost of Medicare Part D prescription drugs for people with limited income and resources. Also known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), it’s not a separate insurance plan—it’s financial aid that cuts your monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and copays for covered medications. This isn’t just for people living paycheck to paycheck. Even if you have a small pension, own a home, or have modest savings, you might still qualify. Many people miss out because they assume they earn too much—or they don’t know the program even exists.
Medicare Extra Help doesn’t just help with drug costs. It also removes the coverage gap, often called the donut hole, the stage in Medicare Part D where you pay more out-of-pocket for prescriptions after reaching a certain spending threshold. With Extra Help, you never hit that gap. Your copay for brand-name drugs stays under $5, and generic drugs cost no more than $2 per prescription—year-round. That’s huge if you’re taking daily meds for diabetes, high blood pressure, or arthritis. The program also covers the cost of switching drugs mid-year if your plan changes, and it automatically enrolls you in the lowest-cost plan available in your area.
Who gets this help? It’s based on income and assets. In 2024, if you’re single and make less than $22,590 a year—or married and make less than $30,660—you likely qualify. Your assets (like bank accounts, stocks, or property beyond your home) must be under $16,690 for singles or $33,380 for couples. But here’s the catch: you don’t need to apply if you’re already getting Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a Medicare Savings Program. You’re automatically enrolled. If you’re not sure, check your Medicare statement or call 1-800-MEDICARE. You can apply online at SSA.gov or in person at your local Social Security office. No paperwork should stop you from getting help you’ve paid for.
What’s covered? Almost all Part D drugs—insulin, statins, antibiotics, antidepressants, inhalers, even specialty meds for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis. The program doesn’t cover over-the-counter pills, vitamins, or non-prescription supplements. But if your doctor prescribes it and it’s on your plan’s list, Extra Help makes it affordable. And if your meds change, your coverage adjusts with them. No red tape. No surprise bills.
People who use Extra Help save an average of $5,000 a year on prescriptions. That’s not a guess—it’s what the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reports. And yet, nearly 1 in 4 eligible people still don’t sign up. Why? They think it’s too complicated. They think they don’t qualify. Or they assume it’s only for the poorest. But the truth is, if you’re on Medicare, take at least one prescription, and your income is below the threshold, you’re probably eligible. Don’t wait until your next refill hits your wallet. Apply now. It’s free, it’s easy, and it could save you thousands.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how medications interact with health conditions, how to manage side effects, and how to cut costs on prescriptions—whether you’re on Extra Help or not. From antibiotics that spike INR levels to generic alternatives that save billions, these posts give you the facts you need to take control of your meds—and your money.
Medicare Extra Help cuts generic prescription costs to as low as $1.60 per pill. Learn how to qualify, apply, and avoid common mistakes that cost seniors thousands each year.