Medicare
Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy)
Extra Help (also called the Low-Income Subsidy or LIS) dramatically lowers prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology
Definition
Extra Help, formally known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), is a federal assistance program that reduces Medicare Part D prescription drug costs for beneficiaries with limited income and financial resources. Full Extra Help eliminates the Part D premium (up to a benchmark amount), eliminates the Part D deductible, and caps copayments at approximately $4.90 for generics and $12.15 for brand-name drugs in 2026. Partial Extra Help reduces (but does not eliminate) premiums and provides a reduced deductible. The 2026 income eligibility limit for full Extra Help is approximately $22,590 for an individual and $30,660 for a married couple, with resource limits of $17,220 (individual) and $34,360 (couple). Automatic qualification for Extra Help occurs for individuals enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Others can apply directly through the Social Security Administration or their State Medicaid agency. Extra Help beneficiaries also receive special enrollment periods to switch Part D plans mid-year, giving them the flexibility to access the most cost-effective plan for their medications.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team
Editorial Lead
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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