You could save about $5,300 a year on prescriptions.
Extra Help (also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy) is a federal program that lowers what you pay for Medicare prescription drugs. Many people who qualify never apply — simply because no one told them how. This one-page guide changes that.
$5,300a year
The Social Security Administration estimates Extra Help is worth about $5,300 a year for those who qualify.
Do you qualify?
- Yearly income under $23,475 if you're single — the limit is higher for married couples.
- Savings and investments under $18,090 (single) or $36,100 (married). Your home and your car don't count.
- You have Medicare and live in the United States.
Close to the line? Apply anyway. Some of your income and savings don't count toward the limit, and only Social Security can say for sure.
How to claim it — 4 simple steps
- 1
Gather a few things
Your Social Security number, plus recent bank, retirement, and investment statements. That's most of it.
- 2
Apply — it's free
Apply online at SSA.gov/extrahelp or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). No one can charge you to apply.
- 3
Wait for your letter
Social Security reviews your application and mails you a decision, usually within a few weeks.
- 4
Start saving
Once approved, Extra Help lowers your Part D premium and deductible and caps what you pay for covered drugs — for the rest of the year and beyond.
What to bring when you apply
- Your Social Security number
- Bank statements (checking and savings)
- Retirement and investment account statements
- Your most recent tax return or pay information
- Your Medicare card
Want someone to walk you through it? Our licensed advisors can help — free, with no obligation.
Call 1-877-443-32512026 figures from the Social Security Administration and CMS. This guide is educational and is not an official eligibility determination — only Social Security can determine eligibility.