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If you are on Medicare and struggling to afford your medications, you may qualify for free prescriptions through Extra Help Medicare — a federal program designed to help people with limited income pay for their Part D drug costs. Millions of Americans are eligible but have never applied, leaving hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings on the table every single year.
What Is Extra Help and How Does It Work?
Extra Help, also known as the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), is a federal program run by Social Security and Medicare. It helps qualifying individuals cover the costs that Medicare Part D does not fully pay — things like premiums, deductibles, and copays at the pharmacy counter.
The savings can be significant. Qualifying individuals can save up to $5,300 per year on prescription drug costs. Instead of paying full price or standard copays, your out-of-pocket cost for each medication can drop to as little as $0 to $10 per prescription, depending on the drug and your income level.
Over 13 million people are estimated to qualify for this program — yet a large portion of them have never applied. If you are 65 or older and have a limited income, this could be one of the most valuable benefits available to you.
Free Prescriptions With Extra Help: 5 Common Medications That Could Cost You $0
To make this feel real, let us look at five types of medications that millions of Medicare recipients take every day — and what they might cost before and after enrolling in Extra Help. Keep in mind that actual prices vary by pharmacy, plan, and state. These examples are meant to illustrate the kind of savings that are possible.
1. Metformin (Type 2 Diabetes)
Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the country, used to manage blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. Without assistance, monthly costs can add up depending on your plan and dosage. With Extra Help, many people pay little to nothing for this generic medication. For someone taking it daily for life, those savings accumulate fast.
2. Lisinopril (High Blood Pressure)
Lisinopril is a widely used ACE inhibitor prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure. It is a generic drug, but costs still vary depending on your Part D plan. Extra Help can reduce your copay to as low as $0 to $4 per month for generics like this. Over a year, that is a meaningful difference for someone on a fixed income.
3. Atorvastatin (High Cholesterol)
Sold under the brand name Lipitor and widely available as a generic, atorvastatin is prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Many Medicare beneficiaries are surprised to find that even generics carry real out-of-pocket costs under standard Part D plans. With free prescriptions through Extra Help Medicare, those costs can essentially disappear for qualifying individuals.
4. Levothyroxine (Thyroid Conditions)
Millions of Americans — especially women over 55 — take levothyroxine daily to manage an underactive thyroid. This medication is typically taken for life, which means the cost never stops. Extra Help can bring the monthly copay on this type of generic medication down to a few dollars or even zero, making long-term management far more affordable.
5. Amlodipine (Heart Disease and Blood Pressure)
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain related to coronary artery disease. Like the others on this list, it is a maintenance medication — meaning it is taken every day, indefinitely. Under Extra Help, eligible beneficiaries can see their copays reduced dramatically, sometimes to $0 per month for qualifying generics.
The bottom line: If you take just two or three of these medications and qualify for Extra Help, the annual savings could easily reach into the hundreds — or thousands — of dollars.
Who Qualifies for Extra Help Free Prescriptions Through Medicare?
Eligibility is based on your income and resources. While exact thresholds change each year and can vary by state, the program is generally available to people who have limited income and modest savings or assets. You do not have to be at the poverty line to qualify — many people with moderate fixed incomes are surprised to find they are eligible.
Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B.
- You must live in one of the 50 states or Washington, D.C.
- Your income and resources must fall within the program limits set by Social Security for that year.
- Some people are automatically enrolled in Extra Help, including those who receive Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
If you are not sure whether you qualify, the best thing to do is apply or use the eligibility screening tool available at ssa.gov. There is no cost to apply, and finding out takes very little time.
How to Apply for Extra Help
Applying is straightforward. Social Security offers three easy ways to get started:
- Online: Visit ssa.gov and search for the Extra Help application. The online form takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
- By phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and a representative can walk you through the process.
- In person: Visit your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest location at ssa.gov.
You will typically need information about your income, bank accounts, and any investments. If you need help filling out the application, a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor can guide you for free. Find your local SHIP at shiphelp.org.
Do Not Leave This Benefit Unclaimed
Extra Help is one of the most underused benefits available to Medicare recipients. With the potential for free prescriptions through Extra Help Medicare — and savings of up to $5,300 per year — it is worth taking 20 minutes to find out if you qualify. The medications you take every single day could cost you next to nothing.
If you or someone you love is on Medicare and paying more than you can comfortably afford at the pharmacy, do not wait. Check your eligibility today at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. This benefit exists for people exactly like you, and claiming it could make a real difference in your monthly budget starting now.
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