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The average Medicare enrollee spends over $400 per month on medications. For those on fixed incomes, that means choosing between pills and groceries.
Medicare Extra Help — also called the Low Income Subsidy — pays most of your Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. It is worth up to $5,900 per year, and about 3 million people who qualify are not enrolled.
What Does Extra Help Cover?
- Full Extra Help: No Part D premium, no deductible, and copays of $1-$4 for generics and under $10 for brand-name drugs. Total out-of-pocket drug costs typically under $100/year.
- Partial Extra Help: Reduced premium and lower copays based on income.
Who Qualifies?
For 2024:
- Individual: Income up to $22,590/year ($1,882/month)
- Couple: Income up to $30,660/year ($2,555/month)
Asset limits: up to $17,220 for an individual, $34,360 for a couple. Your home, one car, and personal belongings do not count.
Automatic Qualification
If you are enrolled in Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or SSI, you automatically qualify with no application required.
How to Apply
Apply online at SSA.gov, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office. The application takes about 30 minutes. Once approved, you receive a Special Enrollment Period to switch Part D plans immediately.
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