The Medicare Extra Help program, also known as LIS (Low-Income Subsidy), is a valuable resource for Medicare enrollees with limited income and resources. Individuals who qualify have a reduction in the cost of prescription drugs. Extra Help provides an important benefit. It helps lower premiums, deductibles, and copays. The Extra Help income limits 2025 have been increased to keep up with the cost of living. This ensures a greater number of individuals will qualify for the program.
The Extra Help program is available to individuals who:
- Reside in one of the 50 states or Washington, D.C.
- Are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
- Are a member of a qualified Medicare Part D plan; either a stand alone or a MAPD plan.
- Have assets and income at or below the annual limit set by the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Those enrolled in Medicaid automatically qualify for the program
The Medicare Extra Help Program
The Extra Help/LIS program gives Medicare beneficiaries financial assistance to ensure they can afford their prescription drug costs. The program provides different levels of support level of depending on the income level of the beneficiary.
The levels of Extra Help include Full extra Help and Partial Extra Help. Full Extra Help provides coverage for the most prescription drug costs. This includes plan premiums as well as deductibles and copays. Partial Extra Help gives enrollees who’s income exceeds the threshold by a small margin. These beneficiaries receive reduced financial assistance with premiums and copays.
How to Apply
Individuals who may qualify for the Extra Help program in 2025, can use the following steps to apply: Please note; anyone enrolled in Medicaid is automatically enrolled in the Extra Help program.
Apply online at the Social Security Administration Beneficiaries can also call Social Security to enroll at 800-772-1213 or TTY: 800-325-0778. Representatives are available to help from 8 am until 7pm CT weekdays M-F. To enroll in person call Social Security and make an appointment at your local Social Security office. Click here to locate your local Social Security office .
Extra Help Income limits 2025
To qualify for LIS/ Extra Help beneficiaries must have income either at or below the threshold set by the Social Security Administration for 2025.
Starting in 2025, the income limit for individuals is $22,590, for married couples, it is $30,660. Asset limits; such as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds must be at or below the resource limits of $16,100 for an individual or $32,130 for married couples.
Here is a list of resources that are considered when applying for Extra Help:
- Real estate that is not your primary residence.
- Bank accounts (checking, savings and CDs).
- Stocks, U.S. Savings Bonds, Mutual Funds.
- IRAs
- Cash
What doesn’t count as a resource
- The beneficiary’s primary residence.
- Their personal vehicle
- Any resource that doesn’t easily convert into cash (jewelry or furniture).
- Rental property used for personal support or land used to grow food for personal consumption.
- Life insurance or burial expense policies; this includes interest earned on money set aside for burial expenses.
Medicare agents may be able to provide assistance with MSP/LIS applications. In addition, some applicants may qualify for DSNP plans, be sure to check their level of Extra Help and provide assistance to those who qualify for a DSNP plan in your area.