Extra Help is a Medicare program that can slash your Part D premiums, deductibles, and prescription copays if your income and resources are limited — and applying is always free.
Quick answer
Extra Help, also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), helps people with limited income and resources pay for Medicare drug coverage. If you qualify in 2026, you pay a $0 plan premium and $0 deductible, and no more than $5.10 for each covered generic drug and $12.65 for each covered brand-name drug. Once your total drug costs reach $2,100, you pay $0 for covered drugs the rest of the year. You apply for free through Social Security — online, by phone, or on paper — and you never have to pay anyone to help you.
Key takeaways
- Extra Help lowers Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays.
- In 2026 the income limit is $23,940 a year for an individual and $32,460 for a married couple.
- The 2026 resource limit is $18,090 (individual) and $36,100 (married couple).
- If you qualify, you pay $0 premium, $0 deductible, and small capped copays — then $0 after your drug costs reach $2,100.
- Some people get Extra Help automatically — those with full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or SSI.
- Applying is free. Social Security never charges a fee, and you should never pay a third party to apply for you.
Who qualifies in 2026
Eligibility is based on your income and your countable resources, and the limits usually rise a little each year. For 2026, the figures are:
| Your situation | 2026 income limit | 2026 resource limit |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $23,940 | $18,090 |
| Married couple (living together) | $32,460 | $36,100 |
Resources include things like money in checking and savings accounts and stocks and bonds; they generally do not include your home or car. Income and resource limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Even if you are close to the limits, it is worth applying — and you can reapply any time your income or resources change.
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the older “partial” subsidy level was phased out: today everyone who qualifies gets the full Low-Income Subsidy, meaning the same generous benefits shown below rather than a reduced tier.
What you pay with Extra Help in 2026
| Cost | What you pay in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Plan premium | $0 |
| Plan deductible | $0 |
| Each covered generic drug | Up to $5.10 |
| Each covered brand-name drug | Up to $12.65 |
| After total drug costs reach $2,100 | $0 for each covered drug |
If you also have full Medicaid and are in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program, you pay no more than $4.90 for each covered drug. You also will not owe a Part D late-enrollment penalty while you get Extra Help.
Who gets Extra Help automatically
You do not need to apply if you already have any of the following — you get Extra Help automatically and will receive a notice in the mail:
- Full Medicaid coverage
- Help from your state paying your Part B premium (a Medicare Savings Program)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from Social Security
Everyone else has to apply. If you qualify, Medicare will automatically enroll you in a drug plan if you do not already have one, so you can start getting the savings.
How to apply — and how to avoid scams
Apply for free through the Social Security Administration. You can:
- Apply online at the Social Security Extra Help page (the application is Form SSA-1020);
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply by phone or request a paper form; or
- Get free, unbiased help from your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Have your bank statements, tax returns, and retirement-account and pension statements handy. You can apply for Extra Help and a Medicare Savings Program at the same time; Social Security will forward your information to your state to start an MSP application unless you tell them not to.
Watch out for scams: Social Security never charges a fee to apply for Extra Help, and no legitimate government program will call to demand payment, gift cards, or your Medicare number to “sign you up.” If someone asks you to pay to apply, it is a scam.
A bonus: more flexibility to switch plans
Most people can change Part D plans only at set times of year. But if you get Extra Help (or have Medicaid), you can generally change your drug coverage once a month. That lets you move to a plan that better covers your medications without waiting for Open Enrollment.
Official sources
- Social Security — Apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help
- Medicare.gov — Help with drug costs (2026 limits and copays)
- CMS — Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)
- CMS — CY 2026 LIS Resource Limits Memo (PDF)
Next steps
- Check whether you already get full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or SSI — if so, your Extra Help is automatic.
- If not, apply free at ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
- Apply for a Medicare Savings Program at the same time to also help with your premiums.
- Reapply any time your income or resources drop.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the income limits for Extra Help in 2026?
For 2026, the income limit is $23,940 a year for an individual and $32,460 for a married couple living together. The resource limits are $18,090 (individual) and $36,100 (couple). Limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii, and you can reapply if your finances change.
What will I pay for drugs with Extra Help in 2026?
You pay a $0 plan premium and $0 deductible, up to $5.10 for each covered generic drug and up to $12.65 for each covered brand-name drug. Once your total drug costs reach $2,100, you pay $0 for covered drugs for the rest of the year.
Do I have to apply for Extra Help?
Not always. If you have full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you get Extra Help automatically. Everyone else must apply, which you can do for free through Social Security.
How do I apply for Extra Help, and does it cost anything?
Applying is free. Apply online through Social Security (Form SSA-1020), call 1-800-772-1213, or get free help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Social Security never charges a fee, and you should never pay a third party to apply.
Is Extra Help the same as a Medicare Savings Program?
No, but they are connected. Extra Help lowers Part D drug costs, while Medicare Savings Programs help pay Part B (and sometimes Part A) premiums and cost-sharing. Qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program automatically gets you Extra Help, and you can apply for both at once.
Last verified against official sources on September 1, 2026. This is general information, not personalized advice, and has not been independently reviewed by an outside subject-matter expert. Confirm current details with the agency before acting.