Glossary
Extra Help
Extra Help is a federal program that lowers the cost of Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage for people with limited income and resources. It can reduce or eliminate your drug plan premium and deductible and cap what you pay at the pharmacy. You apply through Social Security, and qualifying also opens a Special Enrollment Period.
Also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy, Extra Help is one of the most valuable forms of assistance in Medicare because it cuts directly into drug costs. Depending on your income and resources, it can bring your premium and deductible to zero and hold your copays to small fixed amounts.
You apply for free through Social Security, and many people who qualify for a Medicare Savings Program are enrolled in Extra Help automatically.
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