When you’re on Medicare Extra Help, a federal program that lowers the cost of prescription drugs for people with limited income and resources. Also known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), it’s designed to take the financial stress out of filling prescriptions for those who need it most. This isn’t just a discount—it’s a lifeline for people juggling fixed incomes, chronic conditions, and rising drug prices. If you’re on Medicare Part D, the prescription drug coverage that comes with Medicare, Extra Help can cut your monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and copays by up to 90%. Many people don’t realize they qualify because the income limits are higher than they expect—up to $21,870 for a single person in 2024.
It’s not just about income. Your resources matter too. You can have up to $16,670 in assets (like bank accounts or investments, not your home or car) and still qualify. If you get Medicaid, a state and federal program that helps low-income people pay for medical care, you’re automatically enrolled in Extra Help. But even if you don’t get Medicaid, you might still qualify based on your Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other assistance programs. The catch? You have to apply. It doesn’t happen automatically unless you’re already on SSI.
What does it actually cover? Everything under Part D: brand-name drugs, generics, specialty meds, and even the coverage gap—also known as the donut hole. With Extra Help, you won’t pay more than a few dollars per prescription, even when you’re in the gap. It also lets you switch plans without penalty during the year, so you can find the best drug coverage for your needs. And if your income changes, you can reapply—there’s no penalty for getting more help if your situation gets tougher.
People often confuse Extra Help with Medicare Advantage or Medigap, but those are different. Extra Help is purely about drug costs. It doesn’t cover doctor visits, hospital stays, or dental care. But when you’re managing heart failure, diabetes, or arthritis—conditions covered in many of the posts below—every dollar saved on meds adds up. You’ll see articles here about Medicare Part D gaps, how nursing home drugs are paid for, and why switching generics like phenytoin can be risky. All of it ties back to one thing: making sure your meds are affordable and safe.
There’s no time limit on Extra Help. Once you qualify, you keep it unless your income or assets rise above the limit. And if you’re unsure, you can check your eligibility for free through Social Security or your state’s Medicaid office. No forms, no sales pitch—just a simple way to find out if you’re paying more than you should for the pills you need to stay alive.
