Medicare
Medicare Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy)
How Extra Help can lower Part D costs for eligible beneficiaries.
What Extra Help covers
Extra Help is a federal program that can lower Part D premiums, deductibles, and drug copays for people with limited income and resources.
Eligibility rules differ from Medicaid; some people qualify for both.
Why it matters at plan selection
If you qualify, your effective Part D costs change — re-run Medicare.gov comparisons with Extra Help status reflected.
Apply through Social Security if you think you may qualify; do not assume the drug plan will find you automatically.
Next step
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Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Extra Help the same as Medicaid?
No, but related. Medicaid beneficiaries often get Extra Help automatically.
Does Extra Help work with Advantage plans?
It can reduce the drug portion of many Advantage plans that include Part D.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — the official U.S. government Medicare site · reviewed 2026-01-15
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) · reviewed 2026-01-15
- OLYRON HealthMatch editorial methodology — how we source and rate options · reviewed 2026-01-15