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 will be granted a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allowing you one opportunity per quarter (every 3 months) to change Medicare plans during the first 9 months of 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.

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 (2024/2025 FPL) guidelines that define the level of Extra Help: Q1News.com/C/8