Documents · Low-Income Subsidy

Extra Help

Extra Help (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy) lowers your drug costs. Walk through what it is, whether you may qualify, and how to apply—on your own or with ThriftMeds assistance.

01

Federal program

Extra Help is administered by the Social Security Administration—not by your Part D plan. Once approved, every Medicare drug plan must charge you Extra Help prices.

02

What it covers

Little or no premium on a benchmark plan, reduced deductibles, and set copays for covered drugs. It can also waive the Part D late-enrollment penalty.

03

Related programs

Full Medicaid, SSI, or a Medicare Savings Program often means Extra Help is automatic. State Medicaid offices handle MSP applications separately.