When you’re on Medicare and struggling to pay for prescriptions, Medicare Extra Help, a federal program that lowers the cost of Medicare Part D prescription drugs for people with limited income and resources. Also known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), it’s designed to make sure cost doesn’t stop you from taking your meds. This isn’t just a small discount—it can cut your monthly drug costs by hundreds, sometimes over a thousand dollars a year. If you’re paying for insulin, heart meds, or diabetes supplies, Extra Help could be the difference between managing your health and skipping doses.
Who gets it? It’s not just for people living in poverty. If your income is under $21,870 for a single person or $29,580 for a couple in 2025, and your assets are below $16,670 (or $33,340 for couples), you likely qualify. Even if you don’t get Medicaid, you might still qualify for Extra Help. Many people miss out because they think they make too much, or they don’t know they can apply. The Social Security Administration automatically checks eligibility if you get SSI, but if you don’t, you have to apply—online, by phone, or in person. It’s not a one-time thing either. Your eligibility is reviewed yearly, and even small changes in income or assets can affect your benefit.
What does it actually cover? Extra Help pays part or all of your Part D monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and copayments. It also eliminates the coverage gap—what people call the "donut hole." That means once you hit the threshold where you’d normally pay full price for drugs, Extra Help keeps your costs low. No surprise bills. No choosing between meds and groceries. It even covers some drugs not on your plan’s formulary if your doctor says you need them.
And it’s not just about drugs. If you get Extra Help, you can switch your Medicare drug plan anytime during the year—not just during open enrollment. That’s huge. If your meds change or your current plan raises prices, you can switch without waiting. You also won’t face late enrollment penalties if you sign up later. Many seniors delay signing up for Part D because they’re worried about costs—and Extra Help removes that fear.
There’s a gap in awareness. People think this is only for those on Medicaid or who are completely broke. But thousands of seniors with modest savings, fixed incomes, or chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure qualify and don’t know it. The program exists because the cost of prescriptions is out of control. And if you’re spending more than $100 a month on meds, you’re probably eligible.
You’ll find posts below that cover real-world issues tied to this: how to safely dispose of old meds when you’re on a tight budget, how pharmacists help patients stick to their regimens when cost is a barrier, and how switching to generics can save money—but when it might not be safe. These aren’t random articles. They’re all connected to the same struggle: getting the right meds, at the right price, without risking your health. Whether you’re applying for Extra Help, helping a parent navigate it, or just trying to understand why your prescription costs so much, the info here is practical, current, and meant to be used.
State medication assistance programs help millions afford prescriptions in 2025. Learn how Medicare Extra Help, PAAD, PACE, and Medi-Cal Rx work, who qualifies, and how to apply-even if you've been denied before.