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.
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
Not sure which option fits you?
Answer a few questions and we will match you with a licensed advisor. Free, no obligation.