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Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs


Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs

 The Federal Government provides an extensive program for people needing financial assistance with their Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. Depending on your income and available financial resources, Medicare will provide "Extra Help" that may cover 85% to 100% of prescription costs and may also pay all or part of your Medicare Part D premiums.


Who Qualifies for "Extra Help"?

For the plan year 2026, if your income is below $23,940 per year for a single person (or $32,460 for a married couple living together or even more if you have dependent children or grandchildren living with you), AND if your assets (resources) are below $16,590* for a single person (or $33,100* if you are married). *These limits do not include the $1,500 per person burial exclusion, see more details below.

The following items are NOT included in income:
  • Housing assistance,
  • Medical treatment and drugs,
  • Food stamp assistance, etc.
Click here to see more payments that do NOT count toward income.

$1,500 per person Burial Exclusion:
All beneficiaries are permitted a $1,500 per person burial exclusion from their resources. This exclusion can be taken into account by either reducing your resources by $1,500 per person (Medicare & You Handbook) or by increasing the resource limit by $1,500 per person (Most other Social Security Administration and Medicare documents). Below is a chart showing the resource figures with, and without taking into account the burial exclusion:

Maximum Resource Limit With $1,500 Burial Exclusion Without $1,500 Burial Exclusion
Individuals $18,090 $16,590
Couples $36,100 $33,100


The following items are included in resources:
  • bank accounts,
  • stocks and bonds,
  • Real estate (other than your primary residence), etc.
The following items are NOT included in resources:
  • the house you live in,
  • your car,
  • other personal possessions such as your furniture and jewelry, etc.
  • burial plots,
  • up to $1,500 for burial expenses (per person), or
  • life insurance policies.
Click here to see more assets that do NOT count toward resources.


Click on the year below to change the above qualification figures to the selected year:
2025   2024   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009   2008   2007   2006

If you receive Extra-Help (also known as LIS) or are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, there are Medicare Prescription Drug plans in your state that will qualify for the $0 monthly premium. Click on your state below to see PDP plans that qualify for the $0 premium:
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Who Should You Contact for "Extra Help"?

Medicare Beneficiaries who are interested in qualifying for financial "extra help" with the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug costs should visit www.socialsecurity.gov/i1020


Also see: