Yes. You can apply for the Medicare Part D financial Extra Help program (or Low-Income Subsidy) at any time throughout the plan year - even when you are already enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan.

Question:  What is Extra Help?

As a reminder, the Medicare Part D Extra-Help or Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program helps pay your monthly Medicare prescription drug plan premiums, deductible, and prescription drug costs.

Question:  How do I qualify for Medicare Part D Extra Help?

If you are qualified for your state's Medicaid program, you are automatically qualified for Medicare Part D Extra Help.

If you are not currently Medicare / Medicaid eligible (dual eligible), then your income and assets - as measured against the annual Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines - will be used to determine whether you are eligible for the Medicare Part D Extra-Help program.

Question:  How do I apply for Extra Help?

You can contact or visit your local state Medicaid office or call the Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213) (or visit a local Social Security office) to get more information about qualifying and enrolling into the Extra-Help program.

Here is a link provided by Medicare that should help you find your state Medicaid office: https://www.medicare.gov/talk-to-someone

Extra Help and a Special Enrollment Period

If you are eligible for the Medicare Part D Extra Help program, you may be able to use the Dual-Eligible Special Enrollment Period to change Medicare Part D plans throughout the year.  So, if you find that your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan coverage is not adequate, you have the option to change to another Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan that provides more affordable health and prescription coverage.  Beginning in 2025, the ability for Extra Help beneficiaries to change plans during the plan year will depend on whether your Medicare plan is a stand-alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.  Learn more about the timing for the Dual-Eligible SEP. 

Not sure where to start?

You can call a Medicare representative toll-free at 1-800-633-4227 to learn more about the Medicare Part D Extra Help program.

You can click on the following link to learn more about the Extra Help program:
q1medicare.com/PartD-Financial-Assistance-by-Medicaid.php.

You can also review our recent articles on the Extra Help or Low-Income Subsidy and see information on the annual Federal Poverty Level (2025/2026 FPL) guidelines that define the level of Extra Help: Q1News.com/C/8