Definition. Medicare's Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) for Part D. It lowers or removes the plan premium and deductible, caps drug copays at low amounts, and removes the Part D late enrollment penalty.
What it means
With Extra Help in 2026 you pay at most $5.10 for a generic drug and $12.65 for a brand-name drug, no deductible, and little or no premium in a plan at or below the regional benchmark. You also don't owe a Part D late enrollment penalty, and you can switch to a standalone Part D drug plan once a month.
You qualify automatically if you have full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program or Supplemental Security Income. Otherwise you apply through Social Security at ssa.gov/extrahelp or 1-800-772-1213. The 2026 limits for a married couple are income up to $32,460 and resources up to $33,100.
In Oregon
Oregon's Medicare Savings Programs have no asset limit, unlike Extra Help's own application. So if your income is within an MSP limit but your savings are over Extra Help's resource limit, getting an MSP through the Oregon Department of Human Services also gets you Extra Help automatically. Apply for an MSP at ONE.Oregon.gov or call 1-800-699-9075. See Extra Help in Oregon.
Sources
- Social Security — Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs
- Medicare.gov — Help with drug costs (Extra Help)
- CMS — CY 2026 resource and cost-sharing limits for the Low-Income Subsidy (PDF)
- Oregon Department of Human Services — Medicare Savings Programs
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for Extra Help?
People with Medicare whose income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and whose resources are within the yearly limit. In 2026 that's $23,940 in income and $16,590 in resources for one person. Apply through Social Security.
Do I have to apply if I have OHP?
No. If you have Medicare and full OHP, or a Medicare Savings Program, you get Extra Help automatically. Medicare mails you a notice.
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