Medicare Extra Help

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

Extra Help may lower your premiums and 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’ll:
 

• Get help paying your Medicare drug plan’s costs
• Have no Part D late enrollment penalty
• Be covered during 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 $19,140 in yearly income ($25,860 for a married couple) and up to $14,610 in resources ($29,160 for a married couple). Note: Amounts are for 2020 and may change in 2021. If your income and resources are slightly higher, you should still apply.
 

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, between 7 AM and 7 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Social Security Administration's website

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

• If you’re an Aetna member, you can receive help with your application from an independent service called “My Advocate”. They’re available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM ET. Call 1-866-706-6757 (TTY: 711).
• Apply online at Social Security’s website.
• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778, Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM