Part D Low-Income Subsidy: Help Paying for Medicare Prescription Drugs

When you’re on Medicare and struggling to afford your meds, the Part D low-income subsidy, a federal program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for Medicare prescription drug coverage. Also known as Extra Help, it’s designed to lower or eliminate your monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and copayments for prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part D. This isn’t just a small discount—it can save you over $5,000 a year on medication costs, depending on your situation.

The Extra Help program, a federal assistance program that reduces out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D enrollees with low income. isn’t just for people living in poverty. Many qualify if they earn up to $20,385 a year as a single person or $27,465 as a couple, and have assets under $16,920 (or $33,840 for couples). Even if you’re not sure you qualify, it’s worth applying—many people miss out because they assume they make too much, but the rules are more flexible than you think. You don’t need to be on Medicaid to qualify, and you can get Extra Help even if you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.

The Medicare Part D, the federal program that provides outpatient prescription drug coverage to Medicare beneficiaries. is where this subsidy kicks in. Without Extra Help, you might pay hundreds a month just for your pills—especially if you take specialty drugs for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders. With the subsidy, your copay for generic drugs can drop to $4.50 or less, and brand-name drugs to $11.20 or less. Some people pay nothing at all. It also eliminates the coverage gap (the "donut hole") so you won’t face sudden spikes in costs mid-year.

Applying is simple. You can do it online through the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or in person at your local office. If you already get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’re automatically enrolled—no application needed. But if you’re on Medicaid, SNAP, or a state pharmaceutical assistance program, you might still need to apply separately. Don’t wait until your bills pile up. The subsidy is retroactive to the start of the year if you qualify, so applying now could mean refunds for what you’ve already paid.

Many people don’t realize the Part D low-income subsidy, a federal program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for Medicare prescription drug coverage. also works with manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs. You can stack them together. For example, if a drug maker offers a $200 coupon and you have Extra Help, you can still use the coupon on top of your reduced copay. That’s double savings. Just watch out for accumulator programs—some insurers don’t let you combine savings, so always ask your pharmacist before using a coupon.

Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve used this program to cut their drug costs. Learn how others got approved, what documents they needed, which medications are covered, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay approval. Whether you’re helping yourself or a parent, these stories give you the practical steps to get the help you’re entitled to—without the red tape.