Medicare Learning Center
How Can You Get Help Paying for Medicare?
If you have limited income, two federal programs can significantly reduce your Medicare costs. Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) saves qualifying beneficiaries an average of $5,300 per year on prescription drugs. Medicare Savings Programs can pay your $202.90/month Part B premium. According to CMS, millions of eligible beneficiaries don't apply because they don't know these programs exist.
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What Is Medicare Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy)?
The Extra Help program - also called the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - helps people with limited income and resources pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. According to SSA, about 13 million Medicare beneficiaries currently receive Extra Help. If you qualify, Medicare could pay for most or all of your drug plan costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copays.
What Does Extra Help Cover?
• Monthly Part D premiums - paid in part or in full
• Annual Part D deductible - reduced or eliminated
• Prescription copays - lowered to $0 to $11 per prescription
• No coverage gap ("donut hole") - continuous coverage all year
• Average savings: $5,300 per year
Who May Qualify?
• You're enrolled in or eligible for Medicare
• You have limited income and resources (see thresholds below)
• You live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia
• You can apply at any time - there's no enrollment window
What Are the 2026 Income & Resource Limits for Extra Help?
| Category | Individual | Married (living together) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Extra Help - Income Limit | ~$22,590/year | ~$30,660/year |
| Full Extra Help - Resource Limit | $10,590 | $16,630 |
| Partial Extra Help - Income Limit | ~$25,290/year | ~$34,350/year |
| Partial Extra Help - Resource Limit | $17,220 | $34,360 |
Resources include savings, investments, and non-primary real estate (not your home or car). Figures are approximate for 2026. Source: SSA.gov
How Do You Apply for Extra Help?
You can apply online at the Social Security Administration website. The application is free and there's no obligation.
You'll need bank statements, tax returns, and information about pensions or retirement accounts.
Apply for Extra Help on SSA.govWhat Are Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)?
Medicare Savings Programs are state-run programs that help pay your Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) and may also cover Part A and Part B deductibles and coinsurance. These are separate from Extra Help and you can qualify for both. According to CMS, MSPs save qualifying beneficiaries up to $2,435 per year on Part B premiums alone.
QMB - Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
Income: Up to 100% of Federal Poverty Level (~$16,215/year individual)
Covers: Part A premium, Part B premium, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays
SLMB - Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
Income: 100 to 120% of FPL (~$16,215 to $19,458/year individual)
Covers: Part B premium only ($202.90/month savings)
QI - Qualifying Individual
Income: 120 to 135% of FPL (~$19,458 to $21,891/year individual)
Covers: Part B premium only (limited funding, first-come first-served)
QDWI - Qualified Disabled & Working Individual
Income: Up to 200% of FPL (~$32,430/year individual)
Covers: Part A premium only (for people who lost premium-free Part A)
How to apply: Contact your state Medicaid office to apply for MSPs. If you qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you are also automatically deemed eligible for Extra Help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Financial Help
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