Extra Help
Extra Help (also called the “low-income subsidy” or LIS) is available to help people with Medicare who have limited income and resources pay for Medicare prescription drug coverage. Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
If you qualify for Extra Help, you will receive assistance in paying for costs such as monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. Many people qualify and don’t know it. It is estimated that more than 1.8 million Medicare beneficiaries may be eligible for “Extra Help” but are not enrolled.
Qualifications
To qualify for Full Extra Help:
- You must reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia
- Your resources must be limited to $8,780 for an individual or $13,930 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Your house and car do not count as resources.
- Your monthly income must be less than $1,324 for an individual or $1,792 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to receive partial extra help.
If you think you may qualify for full or partial Extra Help with your prescription drug costs, you can apply at any time of the year by contacting Social Security, or certified insurance health insurance counselors at the Ontario County Office for the Aging can assist you in applying.