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Nerdy takeaways
- Extra Help pays for some or all of your premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D (prescription drugs).
- Full Medicaid coverage, SSI and certain Medicare Savings Programs automatically qualify you for Extra Help.
- You can also qualify if you meet income and resource limits.
- You apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration.
Extra Help is a federal program that helps Medicare beneficiaries with low income and limited resources pay for prescription drugs with Medicare Part D.
The government estimates that Extra Help — also known as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy — is worth about $5,700 per year.
Here’s what you need to know about the benefits, requirements and application process for Extra Help.
Who qualifies for Medicare Extra Help?
To qualify for Extra Help, you must have limited income and resources as defined in the sections below, and you must:
- Live in one of the 50 states or Washington, D.C.
- Not be currently incarcerated.
Extra Help income limits in 2026
The income limit to qualify for Extra Help is 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL). In 2026, Extra Help income limits for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. are:
- For individuals: $23,940 per year.
- For married couples: $32,460 per year.
That’s $1,995 per month for individuals or $2,705 per month for married couples in Washington, D.C. and most states. (Alaska and Hawaii have different income limits.)
The latest income thresholds for all states and household sizes can be found on the Department of Health and Human Services’ HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2026.
There are many exceptions to what counts as income. For example, food, housing and home energy assistance from the government, scholarships, grants and even payments you get from others to help with your household expenses don’t count toward Extra Help’s income limits.
Extra Help resource limits in 2026
Extra Help also has resource limits. “Resources” include your bank accounts, cash at home, investments like stocks and bonds, and real estate other than your primary residence.
For 2026, the Extra Help resource limits are:
- For individuals: $18,090.
- For married couples: $36,100.
The resource limits include an additional allowance for beneficiaries who plan to use some resources for burial expenses. That allowance increases the limits by $1,500 for individuals or $3,000 for married couples.
Not everything you own counts as a “resource.” For example, your home, personal possessions, vehicles, insurance policies, back payments from Social Security or SSI, and burial plots or contracts don’t count toward the resource limits.
Compare Medicare Part D Plans
| Insurance company | CMS Star Rating | Out-of-pocket costs | Member experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 /5 | Lower than average | 3 (Average) | |
| 3.5 /5 | Varies | 3.5 (Above average) | |
| 2.5 /5 | Average | 2 (Below average) | |
| 2.37 /5 | Average | 2.29 (Below average) |
Automatic eligibility for Extra Help
You're automatically eligible for Extra Help if you have Medicare Part A and/or Part B and at least one of the following applies:
- You're entitled to Supplemental Security Income, or SSI.
- You're eligible for full Medicaid coverage.
- You're enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program as a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary or Qualified Individual.
If you automatically qualify, you don’t need to apply to receive the benefits.
If you don’t automatically qualify, you should still apply for Extra Help if you might meet the income and resource criteria.
» MORE: What if I can’t afford Medicare?
Extra Help benefits
Extra Help applies to your choice of Medicare Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage. For qualifying beneficiaries, Extra Help provides:
- Premiums: Subsidized up to 100% of the cost of benchmark Part D premiums in your area. (You will need to pay the difference if you choose a more expensive Part D plan.)
- Deductibles: Eliminated ($0) for all qualifying beneficiaries.
- Copays: Capped at $5.10 for generic drugs and $12.65 for brand-name drugs for most people.
- No late penalty: Most people who qualify for Extra Help don’t have to pay the Part D late enrollment penalty.
How the Inflation Reduction Act expanded Extra Help
Previously, there were lower income limits to qualify for full Extra Help subsidies, but it was possible to qualify for partial Extra Help subsidies at certain income levels. As of 2024, people making up to 150% of the FPL can qualify for the full subsidy.
Shopping for Medicare Part D plans? We have you covered.
| MEDICARE PART D covers outpatient prescription drugs for people on Medicare. Compare options from our Medicare Part D roundup. | |
| Best for low premiums | Best for low out-of-pocket costs |
| Best for generic drugs | Best for low deductibles |
How do I apply for Extra Help?
You apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration:
- Online: Visit ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help.
- Phone: Call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778).
- In person: Visit your local Social Security office — find yours at ssa.gov/locator.
You will need to provide information about your household, work, resources and monthly income as part of the application.
Should I apply for Extra Help if I don’t quite meet the income or resource limits?
Yes. There are many exceptions to what counts as income and resources. It’s possible you could meet the requirements once those exceptions are factored in.
Even if you don’t meet the requirements, you can apply for Extra Help and other assistance programs at the same time using the same information, so you might be able to get help from another program.
Do I need to be enrolled in Medicare Part D to apply for Extra Help?
No. You’ll be automatically enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if you qualify for Extra Help and you’re not already enrolled. If you want another plan instead, you can switch.
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
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- 1. Social Security Administration. Understanding the Extra Help with Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Accessed May 11, 2026.
- 2. Social Security Administration. HI 03001.020 Eligibility for Extra Help (Prescription Drug Low-Income Subsidy). Accessed May 11, 2026.
- 3. Department of Health and Human Services. HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2026. Accessed May 11, 2026.
- 4. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Help with Drug Costs. Accessed May 11, 2026.
- 5. Social Security Administration. HI 03001.005 Medicare Part D Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy or LIS). Accessed May 11, 2026.
