Right now, 14.2 million Americans qualify for Medicare’s Extra Help program — but millions more are eligible and don’t even know it. If you’re on Medicare and your income is under roughly $22,000/year (or $29,000 for couples), you may qualify for a program that slashes your prescription drug costs to nearly zero. Here’s everything you need to know.
- Medicare Extra Help (also called the Low Income Subsidy / LIS) pays most or all of your Part D drug costs
- 2025 income limit: ~$22,590/year for individuals, ~$30,660 for couples
- Benefits include: low or $0 monthly premiums, reduced copays, and no coverage gap
- You automatically qualify if you receive Medicaid, SSI, or an MSP
- Apply free at ssa.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
What Is Medicare Extra Help?
Extra Help is a federal program run by Social Security that pays all or most of the costs associated with Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). It covers plan premiums, deductibles, and copays. People with full Extra Help typically pay $4.50–$11.20 per prescription in 2025 — compared to potentially hundreds of dollars without help.
2025 Extra Help Income and Asset Limits
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $1,882/month | $22,590 | $17,220 |
| Married Couple | $2,555/month | $30,660 | $34,360 |
What Extra Help Covers in 2025
Extra Help has two levels — Full and Partial — based on your income level:
| Benefit | Full Extra Help | Partial Extra Help |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Part D premium | $0 (or very low) | Partially covered |
| Annual deductible | $0 | Reduced |
| Generic drug copay | $4.50 | 15% of cost |
| Brand-name drug copay | $11.20 | 15% of cost |
| Coverage gap (donut hole) | ✅ No gap | ✅ No gap |
Who Automatically Qualifies?
You’re automatically enrolled in Extra Help (Full benefit) if you already receive any of these:
- Medicaid (full or partial)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, or QI)
If you’re automatically enrolled, Social Security will send you a yellow letter. You still need to enroll in a Part D plan, but your costs will be dramatically lower.
How to Apply for Extra Help
If you’re not automatically enrolled, applying takes about 15 minutes:
- Visit ssa.gov/extrahelp to apply online (fastest)
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
- Visit your local Social Security office
- Apply through your State Medicaid office — some states have combined applications
There’s no cost to apply, and you can reapply every year if circumstances change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicare Extra Help in 2025?
Extra Help (also called Low Income Subsidy or LIS) is a federal program that pays most or all of your Medicare Part D prescription drug costs if your income and assets are below the limits.
How do I know if I qualify for Extra Help?
Check your 2023 income. If it was under $22,590 (individual) or $30,660 (couple), you likely qualify. Assets under $17,220 (individual) also matter — but many assets like your home and car don’t count.
Does Extra Help also cover Medicare Part B?
Extra Help only covers Part D drug costs. To get help with Part B premiums, you’d need to apply for a Medicare Savings Program separately.
Bottom Line
Medicare Extra Help is one of the most valuable — and most underutilized — federal benefits available to seniors. If your income and assets fall within the limits, apply immediately. You could reduce your monthly drug costs from hundreds of dollars to just a few dollars per prescription.