Quick answer
Extra Help (also called the Low-Income Subsidy) pays your Part D premium and deductible and caps drug copays. Medicare.gov lists the current limits as income under $23,940 for an individual or $32,460 for a married couple, with resources under $18,090 or $36,100. In 2027, people with Extra Help pay no more than $5.80 for a generic and $14.40 for a brand-name drug, and $0 once drug costs reach $2,400.
Extra Help at a glance
| Item | Individual | Married couple |
|---|---|---|
| Income limit | Under $23,940 | Under $32,460 |
| Resource limit | Under $18,090 | Under $36,100 |
| Part D premium and deductible | $0 (benchmark plans) | $0 (benchmark plans) |
| 2027 copay per drug | Up to $5.80 generic, $14.40 brand | Same |
Last reviewed October 27, 2026 by Greg Wilson. Sources: Medicare.gov, Social Security. Partner links may earn SeniorAffair a commission.
Prescription drugs are one of the biggest costs in retirement. Extra Help is a federal program that can cut those costs to almost nothing, yet many people who qualify never apply. If your income is modest, it is worth ten minutes to check.
What Extra Help pays for
- Your Part D premium, up to the cost of a benchmark plan in your state. If you pick a more expensive plan, you pay the difference.
- Your Part D deductible. The standard deductible rises to $700 in 2027, so this alone is a real saving.
- Lower copays. In 2027, no more than $5.80 per generic and $14.40 per brand-name drug at participating pharmacies.
- $0 copays after $2,400. Once your total covered drug costs reach $2,400 in 2027, covered drugs cost nothing for the rest of the year.
- No late enrollment penalty for Part D while you have Extra Help.
Who qualifies
The limits Medicare.gov lists are income under $23,940 for an individual or $32,460 for a married couple living together, and resources under $18,090 or $36,100. Income limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
Resources include bank accounts, stocks, bonds and cash. They do not include your home, one car, burial plots, or up to $1,500 set aside for burial expenses per person.
Even if you are a little over the limits, apply anyway. Some income is not counted, and Social Security makes the final decision.
You qualify automatically if you:
- Have full Medicaid coverage.
- Get help from your state paying your Part B premium (a Medicare Savings Program).
- Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
If you qualify automatically, you will get a purple letter from Medicare. You do not need to apply.
How to apply
- Apply online at SSA.gov, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local office.
- Have your Social Security number, bank statements and recent income information ready.
- Social Security will mail a decision. If you are approved and do not have a drug plan, Medicare will enroll you in one.
Your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help you fill out the application for free.
Want help comparing plans?
A licensed agent from our partner can compare Medicare plans in your ZIP code at no cost to you.
Partner link: SeniorAffair may earn a commission. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Extra Help and the 2027 Part D changes
Part D is changing again for 2027. The out-of-pocket cap rises from $2,100 to $2,400, and the standard deductible rises from $615 to $700. People with Extra Help are largely shielded from both increases because their deductible is $0 and their copays are capped. If you are close to the income limits, these changes make applying even more worthwhile. See our Medicare costs 2027 guide for the full picture.
Common questions
Does Extra Help renew every year?
Usually, yes. It continues through December 31 and renews unless you get a notice saying Social Security will review your eligibility. Respond to any review letter promptly.
Can I change drug plans if I have Extra Help?
Yes. People with Extra Help can switch plans once a month into certain plans, in addition to open enrollment (October 15 to December 7).
Does Extra Help work with Medicare Advantage?
Yes, if your Medicare Advantage plan includes drug coverage.
Is Extra Help the same as Medicaid?
No. Extra Help only covers Part D drug costs. Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs can help with other costs, and your state Medicaid office can tell you whether you qualify.
Free: Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist. A printable two-page list of what to check before December 7. Get the checklist
Part of our Medicare Guide. Costs, enrollment deadlines, Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap, Part D and what Medicare covers, all in one place. See the full guide →
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