Extra Help, also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy, helps eligible people pay for Medicare prescription coverage.

What Does Extra Help Pay?

Depending on your situation, it can provide:

  • A $0 or reduced Part D premium, up to a set amount called the benchmark
  • No plan deductible
  • Lower prescription copayments
  • No Part D late-enrollment penalty
  • Special opportunities to change drug coverage

If you choose a plan above the benchmark or with certain additional benefits, you may still owe part of the premium.

Who Qualifies in 2026?

You may qualify if you live in a state or the District of Columbia and have:

  • Annual income below $23,940 for one person or $32,460 for a married couple
  • Resources below $18,090 for one person or $36,100 for a married couple

Income limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Resource limits are the same in every state. Resources include savings and other assets. Your home and some other assets do not count, so adding up everything you own may not show whether you qualify.

People with full Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or certain Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, or QI) generally receive Extra Help automatically. QDWI, a different Savings Program that helps certain working people with disabilities pay for Part A, does not automatically qualify you. Others can apply through Social Security. SSA explains the automatic routes.

Medicare's current Extra Help guide lists eligibility and application details.

What Happens After Approval?

You need a Part D plan to use Extra Help. Medicare may enroll you in one if you do not choose a plan, but you can compare plans and select one that covers your prescriptions and pharmacies.

If the pharmacy charge does not reflect your approval, show your approval notice and ask the plan to update its records. If you qualify but do not have an active drug plan, you may be able to get temporary prescription coverage through Medicare’s LI NET program; ask Medicare or the pharmacist.

If you have Medicaid or Extra Help, you may be able to change stand-alone drug plans once per calendar month. You may also be able to leave a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage and return to Original Medicare by joining a stand-alone drug plan. Exceptions apply, and this does not allow monthly changes among all Advantage plans. Check what your Special Enrollment Period allows before changing coverage.

Medicare policy sources last checked: October 8, 2026.