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Home > Glossary > Extra Help program

Extra Help program

What is the Extra Help program?

Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources can be eligible for financial assistance with prescription costs through the Extra Help program.¹ Extra Help is designed to help Medicare beneficiaries cover costs associated with prescription drugs, including Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket drug costs. Extra Help is also known as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy, or LIS.

Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for Extra Help don’t have to pay a late enrollment penalty for Medicare Part D, even if they would otherwise be subject to the penalty.²

Before 2024, Extra Help was available in either a full or partial benefit, depending on the beneficiary’s income. But the Inflation Reduction Act changed this, ensuring that everyone eligible for Extra Help could receive the full benefit.

Learn more about eligibility for Extra Help. Some eligible individuals automatically qualify for Extra Help, while others need to apply for it.² Use the Social Security Administration’s website to apply online for Extra Help.

Footnotes

”Understanding the Extra Help with Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan” Social Security Administration. April 2025 ⤶
”Help with drug costs” Medicare.gov. Accessed June 1, 2025 ⤶ ⤶

Medicare assistance program options by state

Our guide to financial assistance for Medicare enrollees includes information about HCBS, Medicaid spend-down, Medicaid for the aged, blind and disabled – and more.

Medicare assistance program options by state

Our guide to financial assistance for Medicare enrollees includes information about HCBS, Medicaid spend-down, Medicaid for the aged, blind and disabled – and more.

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Extra Help program

What is the Extra Help program?

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