“Extra Help” Program

Medicare’s “Extra Help” Program

The Medicare Extra Help program is for anyone who has Medicare and Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) coverage, but has limited income and resources, such as savings and stocks. This does not include your home or car.

What does Medicare Extra Help cover?

The Extra Help program can save you approximately $5,000 each year.  Many people qualify for this savings, but don’t know it.

If you qualify for the Extra Help program, you will get help paying for Medicare prescription drug costs that are part of your Part D coverage, such as your monthly premium, yearly deductible, prescription co-payments, and coinsurance. This Extra Help also counts toward your out-of-pocket costs.

See if You Qualify for Extra Help

Some people automatically qualify for the Extra Help program and don’t need to apply. Medicare will mail you a letter if you automatically qualify for Extra Help.

Your income and resources can change from year to year, so check to see if you qualify for the program if you didn’t receive a letter from Medicare or were previously denied for the Extra Help program.

Apply for Extra Help

Applying for Extra Help is easy. Just complete the Social Security’s application for the Medicare Extra Help program in the following ways:


By Phone
Call 1-800-772-1213
Between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday.
TTY users call 1-800-325-0778


Apply Online
Complete an online application:
(By clicking on this link you will be leaving our website.)
Social Security Online Application


In Person
Stop by your local Social Security office
Click here to find your local office

After you apply, you will get a letter letting you know if you qualify for Extra Help and what you need to do next.

Level of Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy)

Your total monthly plan premium, copays, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive.

The Low Income Subsidy (LIS) table shows you what your monthly plan premium will be if you get Extra Help.

Please select the document for your plan and county.

If you have questions, call us at (918) 280-8025.  We’re here to help.