What is Extra Help for Medicare Part D and who qualifies?

Extra Help, sometimes called the Low Income Subsidy or LIS, is designed for people who have Medicare but struggle to afford the cost of prescription drug coverage. Without help, Part D costs include a monthly premium, an annual deductible, and copays or coinsurance at the pharmacy. Those costs add up fast, especially for people on multiple medications.With Extra Help, those costs can drop significantly. Some people who qualify pay very little at the pharmacy, sometimes just a few dollars per prescription, and may have little to no premium for their drug plan.To qualify, you generally need to have income below roughly 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and have limited financial resources, meaning savings, checking accounts, and certain other assets below a set threshold. The exact limits adjust each year, so it's worth checking current figures. People who already receive Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or participate in a Medicare Savings Program are typically automatically enrolled in Extra Help.You apply through Social Security, either online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. There is no cost to apply and no obligation.