Medicare Extra Help

Extra Help is a program to help people with limited income and resources pay for Medicare prescription drug program costs.
 

Extra Help may help lower your out-of-pocket prescription drug costs such as premiums, copays or coinsurance. It also covers you throughout the coverage gap and waives any Part D late enrollment penalty.

If you qualify for Extra Help and join a Medicare prescription drug program, you will:
 

• Get help paying your Medicare drug plan’s costs
• Have no Part D late enrollment penalty
• Still have coverage if you reach the coverage gap (also called the "donut hole") 
  

Four different levels of Extra Help

Based on your income and assets, you could qualify for one of four different levels of Extra Help. Depending on your plan and your level, the program may pay 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of your monthly Medicare Part D premium for you.
 

Keep in mind: Extra Help only covers prescription drug costs.

You may qualify for Extra Help if you have up to $21,870 in yearly income ($29,580 for a married couple), and up to  $16,660 in resources ($33,240 for a married couple).

Note: Amounts are for 2023 and may change in 2024. If your income and resources are slightly higher, you should still apply. Any changes to these amounts will be posted once they are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Please check back in January 2024 for updates.

For more information about qualifying, call or visit:
 

• The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778), Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM.
  
• Social Security Administration website

There are multiple ways to apply for Extra Help. Here are three ways to start:
 

• If you’re an Aetna® member, you can get help with your application by contacting BeneLynk. They’re available Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM local time. Call 1-888-715-0225 ${tty}.
• Apply online at Social Security Administration website.
• Apply by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.